While the Golden State Warriors shook off Thursday’s tough loss against the Denver Nuggets by beating the Detroit Pistons on Friday, it was still a day that brought challenging news to the team.
Chris Paul, who started Friday’s game and played 24 minutes, fractured his left hand.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Twitter/X shortly after Golden State’s win over Detroit that “Paul has a fractured left hand and will undergo surgery.”
Warriors guard Chris Paul has a fractured left hand and will undergo surgery. pic.twitter.com/ME5eqj0onS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 6, 2024
Anthony Slater of The Athletic quoted coach Steve Kerr, who after Friday’s game said that Brandin Podziemski and Cory Joseph would likely get extra minutes in Paul’s absence. He also said that Moses Moody will likely return to the rotation with Paul sidelined.
Steve Kerr says the Chris Paul extended absence means some extra Podziemski/Cory Joseph point duties, but also Moses Moody's return to the rotation: "I'm excited to get Moses back out there…Great to hear the fans chanting his name."https://t.co/F7rO6s4nqN
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 6, 2024
Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, meanwhile, noted that there’s “no return timeframe” for Paul’s injury.
Per Warriors PR: Chris Paul (fractured L hand). Surgery next week. No return timeframe.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) January 6, 2024
When (or if) Paul will return to the Warriors will likely become clearer after his surgery.
Paul, who will be 39 in May, has had a much different role in his first season with Golden State than he’s had for any other team throughout his career. Until this season, Paul was used exclusively as a starter. But including Friday’s game, he’s started only 11 of the 32 games he’s played for the Warriors this year.
On the season, Paul has averaged 8.9 points, 7.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.13 steals per game.
[Shams Charania on Twitter/X, Anthony Slater on Twitter/X Monte Poole on Twitter/X]
