Chris Paul intends to return in Game 3 of Western Conference Finals

Chris Paul could finally see the court in the Western Conference Finals in Game 3 if things go according to plan.

The Phoenix Suns are halfway there to reaching their first NBA Finals since 1993. They have a 2-0 lead on the LA Clippers because of Devin Booker’s exceptional play and Deandre Ayton’s miracle “Valley-Oop” in Game 2. Phoenix has managed to build such a lead in the conference finals without their leader and point guard in Chris Paul.

Paul has been ruled out since June 16 because he entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols after a positive coronavirus test. It was a bummer given how he played in the Suns’ second-round series against the Denver Nuggets, where he was spectacular.

It looks like Paul will finally make his way onto the court for the Western Conference Finals — as long as nothing else unexpected happens.

Chris Paul intends to play in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals

The Suns received great news regarding Chris Paul’s status for Game 3. Their point guard intends to play in the upcoming game, barring any unforeseen setbacks. According to Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes, Paul completed the cardiovascular portion of the NBA’s health and safety protocols, the last step before a player is cleared.

The Suns will only benefit from Paul’s presence on the court. The last time he played, he dropped 37 points on 14-of-19 shooting with 7 assists and 2 steals. He was a mid-range master in Game 4 against Denver, pulling up and putting the shots down with ease. Players who had coronavirus in the past mention their endurance isn’t the same for a few games after they return, so it will be interesting to see if the Phoenix limits his minutes or holds him out for an extra game. It’s not like they need him, as they have built a 2-0 lead without him.

Nevertheless, getting Paul back will only boost the Suns’ chances of making the Finals. With Clippers star Kawhi Leonard out for the foreseeable future, CP3’s return might be what Phoenix needs to end this series.