Chris Paul To Miss Game 6 Of Western Conference Finals With Hamstring Injury

The Houston Rockets may have garnered a much needed 98-94 win in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals in order to take a 3-2 series lead over the Golden State Warriors, but it came at a hefty price: losing point guard Chris Paul for Game 6.

With less than a minute remaining left in the game, Paul went up for a runner in the paint and went crashing down to the ground as the ball bounced off the rim. He then struggled to get up, unable to hustle down to the other end of the court in order to defend the Warriors’ fast break, clutching his right hamstring all the way. Following a time out, Paul exited the game and spent the last few possessions on the Rockets’ bench, and the biggest question on everyone’s mind afterward was whether or not Paul will be ready to play in Game 6 on Saturday in Oakland.

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Upon being asked about Paul’s Game 6 status following the Thursday night matchup, Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters, “We’ll see [if he can play Game 6]. He’ll be evaluated tomorrow, but obviously you saw him limp off, and he’s a tough guy. They’ll do whatever they can do. If he’s there, great, good for him. If he isn’t, we have enough guys; it’s time for somebody else to step up. We’ll be all right. We just have to continue what we’re doing.”

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Paul seemed to carry the Rockets’ offense throughout most of the game, with MVP candidate guard James Harden making less than 20% of his shots and missing all 11 of his three-pointers. Paul led the team in scoring and assists while also making some pretty ridiculous buzzer beaters, preventing several of Houston’s possessions from turning out empty. One such shot even prompted him to walk up to Stephen Curry and give him a little taste of his own medicine with a quick shimmy and a smile.

Now, after having been further evaluated by team doctors, the Rockets have officially deemed Paul unable to play in Game 6, a huge blow to Houston’s chances of winning the series on Saturday night. He is instrumental to this Rockets team, and Houston will have an exceptionally tough time winning against the Warriors in Oracle, especially if Harden isn’t able to pick up his play. Paul is just one win away from his first NBA Finals appearance of his 13-year pro career, so he’s sure to do everything in his power from a recovery standpoint in order to make sure he’s on the court to get his team there.

The Rockets have yet to be given an official timetable for Paul’s return, so we don’t know if he’ll be available to play in Game 7 on Monday if it’s necessary.