Chris Paul Injury Gives Opportunity for Suns Payne, Holiday
The Phoenix Suns continue to fight through injuries, the biggest one being Chris Paul’s. Chris Paul injured his thumb in the Phoenix Suns last game before the All-Star game. His injury against the Houston Rockets gave opportunities to Cameron Payne and Aaron Holiday. They combined for 16 assists and no turnovers against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night. They, along with Devin Booker, enable the Suns to make up for Paul’s absence. All three spending time at the point are keeping the Suns with the best record in the NBA.
Paul’s impact on Payne’s game showed up Sunday. Payne led the team with 11 assists against the Lakers. Payne’s play setting up teamates since returning from an injured wrist enables Booker to play off the ball and score. Holiday’s defense and running of the second team ensures little drop off most nights when Payne and Booker are off the floor. He’s also shooting over 50% from the three point line since being traded to the Suns from the Washington Wizards.
Bridges Steady Play Helps Suns Weather Injuries
Mikal Bridges plays every game for the Phoenix Suns. Never missing a start since he came to the Phoenix Suns in a draft night trade with the Philadelphia 76ers four years ago, Bridges continues to expand his game. He was the Suns best three point shooter at 42.5% last year.
Bridges defense is more impactful to the team, as he routinely guards the opponents best guard or small forward. While seven of the Suns top eight players have missed games due to injury or illness his defense, along with Holiday and Javale McGee, have enabled Phoenix to continue to be a top five defense.
Mikal Bridges stats https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bridgmi01.html
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