Before the clash with the Kings, Suns coach Monty Williams talked about Paul's injury recovery, saying there was still no specific schedule for Paul's return. However, Sam Amik said Paul would return as soon as this week.
Amik followed up with reports, and some people familiar with the matter revealed that Paul did not rule out the possibility of a comeback against the Timberwolves on Thursday, but the coming days will be key to determining the exact timing of Paul's comeback. Paul, who sprained his finger against the Rockets in February, was later diagnosed with a tear fracture of the right thumb and will be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks.
According to the original plan of the Suns, Paul can only usher in a comeback on April 4 at the earliest, and now he has to return to the field 11 days in advance, the team doctors are indispensable, with their escort, the Sun sword refers to the championship.
In fact, without Paul, the sun would be OK. StatMuse, a data website, posted a comparison of Paul's average assists per game when he played and when he was absent. When he played, the team averaged 27 assists per game, ranking fifth in the league, while in Paul's absence, the Suns averaged 29.3 assists per game, ranking first in the league.
Could it be that Paul is just the icing on the cake and that his importance is waning? No, the Suns' record is very intuitive, with Paul winning 82.8%, the league first, no Paul winning rate of 71.4%, the league first. The old gun's ability to control the field is indispensable, do not question the great loop, do not break the rules, this is a tactic that works.