San Antonio Spurs fans are watching closely after veteran guard Chris Paul appeared to suffer an injury during Tuesday’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paul has been a vital leader and mentor for the young Spurs, making his health a key concern for the team and its fans.
Here’s a closer look at how the injury happened, Paul’s response, and its potential impact on the Spurs this season.
How did Chris Paul get injured?
Chris Paul sustained an injury during the San Antonio Spurs’ 110-104 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The incident happened in the third quarter when Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got tangled near halfcourt. It was ruled incidental contact, but Paul grimaced in pain and had his thumb taped for the rest of the game.
The injury raised concerns due to Paul’s history of hand issues—he has had five surgeries. Despite the pain, he finished the game with 14 points and nine assists. Paul even hit a critical dagger in the final minutes to secure the win. After the game, he downplayed the injury, telling TNT’s Jared Greenberg, “It’ll be alright” (via Athlon Sports).
When will Chris Paul return to play?
The timeline for Chris Paul’s return remains uncertain, as the severity of his injury has not been disclosed. Paul expressed optimism about recovering quickly, but the Spurs’ medical staff will monitor the situation closely due to his history of hand surgeries.
Paul’s availability for Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz depends on how his thumb responds to treatment. Further evaluation will determine if there is any more serious damage.
If the injury is minor, Paul could continue playing with his thumb taped, as he did during the Thunder game. However, the Spurs may opt for caution, given his veteran status and key role as both a player and mentor.
