UPDATE (APRIL 26, 11:06 AM PDT): ESPN's Arash Markazi has reported that team sources believe Chris Paul will need surgery to repair his broken right hand. If that is true, Paul will miss likely several weeks and is unlikely to return this season.
Paul will be re-evaluated Tuesday in Los Angeles, but team sources indicated that surgery will likely be needed and that the normal recovery time for the injury is anywhere from three to six weeks. Barring a better prognosis from new X-rays after swelling has subsided, Paul is unlikely to return this season.
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The 2016 NBA Playoff series between the Blazers and Clippers has taken a shocking turn: All-star point guard Chris Paul has broken his right hand.
Paul broke the third metacarpal on his right hand on an otherwise innocuous play when he jammed his hand against a driving Gerald Henderson. Paul recoiled in pain, but attempted to play through it for a few seconds before he asked out of the game.
Paul went immediately to the sideline and was visibly frustrated. After a short discussion with the Clippers training staff, Paul got up, screamed, kicked a chair and walked down the tunnel of the Moda Center to the visitors locker room.
Dan Woike of the OC Register broke the news that Paul's hand was broken later in the evening:
Chris Paul has a third metacarpal fracture on his right hand and will not return
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 26, 2016
The Clippers have not yet set a timeline for Paul's return. In his postgame press conference, Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers said Paul will be evaluated further tomorrow. Woike reported similar:
Chris Paul "probably" is done for the rest of the playoffs though the team will know more tomorrow, per a source.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 26, 2016
Chris Paul leaves with his right arm in a sling and a cast on his hand, with his brother and dad close by
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 26, 2016
The Blazers went on to beat the Clippers 98-84 and tie the best-of-seven first round series at two games a piece.The teams play next on Wednesday night.
Chris Paul leaves the arena in a sling after breaking a bone in his right hand in Clippers' Game 4 loss. pic.twitter.com/I8VwqVKxxB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 26, 2016