SUMMARY
- The Golden State Warriors, after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, are on a 2-game winning streak.
- Head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Chris Paul is expected to make a comeback on the Warriors' upcoming four-game road trip.
The Golden State Warriors edged the Los Angeles Lakers on February 22, 2024, and are now riding on a 2-game winning streak. Furthermore, the roster has won eight of the last 10 games. Although it seems like the Dubs Nation Team has risen from the ashes and is now working to rebuild their fading dynasty, Steve Kerr had to face a ‘numbers crunch’ while heading towards the Indianapolis festivities.
After dealing with the issue of benching star player Klay Thompson and favoring Brandon Podziemski, head coach Kerr has another task on the go. In a media interaction, the longtime head coach of the Bay Area Team said, “Hopefully sooner rather than later next week,” when asked about when Chris Paul is going to record a comeback.
Steve Kerr said Chris Paul will probably return on the Warriors’ upcoming four-game road trip. Here is Kerr on the “numbers crunch” in the Warriors’ rotation/closing lineup when Paul returns. pic.twitter.com/gbvLiy1lMS
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 23, 2024
After stating that an abundance of talent on the roster is a “good problem to have,” he added, “We can’t wait to get Chris back, obviously. He’s been one of our best players. He’s been in all our best lineups. It’s great to have the option to close with him.” After CP3 succumbed to the tragic injury, most of the closing lineups included Stephen Curry, Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green.
Chris Paul will definitely provide some reinforcements to the already trailing Warriors’ roster and some depth on the hardwood. Since Paul is an expert pick-and-roll practitioner in the second unit and a steady player when included as a starter, his presence will increase the team’s chances of making it to the playoffs.
What happened to Chris Paul?
On January 5, 2024, while the Warriors were facing off against the Detroit Pistons, Paul fractured his left hand. With 6:08 remaining in the third quarter, the star guard of the Warriors had a collision with the Pistons’ Jaden Ivey. It was evident that he had incurred some kind of injury scare in his left hand, as he grabbed his hand while marching to the locker room.
BREAKING: Chris Paul has a fractured left hand and will have surgery next week.
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 6, 2024
On January 7, 2024, the veteran player underwent a successful surgery. It’s a fact that Paul has a history of significant wrist and hand injuries. And, for this reason alone, the veteran guard is taking his own sweet time to get back on the hardwood. It’s worth noting that with Paul on the court, Stephen Curry can play off the ball while hindering the opposition’s defensive schemes.
How many games has Chris Paul missed this season?
After Paul underwent the surgery, it was expected that the veteran would be reevaluated within 3 weeks. Since then, Chris Paul has missed 19 games this season and might soon make a comeback on the court. The product of Wake Forest is averaging 8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while shooting with an accuracy of 42.4% from the deep.
Before going MIA from the floor, Paul recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in his short 20-minute span. Although he suffered a hard blow to his hand, Paul’s absence worked as a blessing in disguise for rookie player Brandon Podziemski. Once Paul is integrated into the roster, the team can derive high dividends from his basketball IQ.
