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Tim BontempsESPN
CLEVELAND — Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul will be out for the next 6-8 weeks due to an avulsion fracture in his right thumb, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The injury is a massive blow to a Suns team with the league’s best record and knocks the All-Star floor general out for at least the vast majority of the remaining regular season schedule.
The regular season ends seven weeks from Sunday, on April 10. The playoffs begin on April 16.
Paul, who is averaging 14.9 points and a league-leading 10.7 assists for the 48-win Suns, hurt his thumb during the third quarter of Wednesday’s win over the Houston Rockets. He was ejected for picking up a pair of technical fouls immediately after the play happened.
Paul was seen grabbing at his hand as he exited the court.
TNT’s Allie LaForce first reported the news of Paul’s injury, and also said Paul is going to attempt to play and get an “honorary assist or two” during Sunday’s All-Star Game.
During his media availability Saturday, Paul was asked several questions about his injury — while wearing a cast or wrap on his right hand — and while he did his best to evade them, he admitted it was frustrating.
“We’re 48-10 and if we do miss some time I know the guys are going to hold it down,” Paul said, referencing the Suns’ record. “There’s always going to be a frustration with injury. My hand surgeon is part of my family now.”
“I always want to play. When I felt that in my hand, I was mad for all types of reasons,” Paul added. “Obviously we’re not going to [rush it]. I’m going to try to heal as fast as physically possible. The second I’m able to play, I guarantee you I will be playing.”
Phoenix is 6.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors and eight games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the best record in the Western Conference — and the NBA — with 24 games to go in the regular season. The Suns entered the All-Star Break having won 21 of their last 24 games.
