3 Factors to Dictate how the Suns will Function without Chris Paul

During their final game before the All-Star break, which resulted in a 124-121 win over the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns saw their leader Chris Paul fall victim to the injury bug once again.

While trying to whip the ball into the paint at Deandre Ayton, his arms collided with Jae’Sean Tate’s, forcing him to lunge back in pain, and forcing all Phoenix fans to hold their breaths.

The lacking news on the severity of Paul’s injury in the days following only led to more anxiety for everyone in the Valley, which of course reached a tipping point after CP3 arrived at All-Star weekend with a brace around his right hand.

By Sunday evening, everyone learned that Paul was diagnosed with a right thumb avulsion, threatening to keep him out for six to eight weeks.

Phoenix currently sits atop the NBA with a 48-10 record, also with a 6.5 game cushion between them and the second place Golden State Warriors. Phoenix also possesses the sixth easiest schedule going forward according to Tankathon.com, with their remaining opponents sporting a collective .486 win percentage.

In that, the Utah Jazz (twice), Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia Sixers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies represent their toughest remaining opponents. All of those contests are on the road minus the bout with Philadelphia, as are 14 of their final 24 games.

But now with some clarity regarding Paul’s health, as disappointing as it may be, the Suns need to implement a new plan of attack as they move forward through this stretch while getting a taste of life without the Point God.