Golden State Warriors’ veteran guard, Chris Paul, suffered a left hand fracture during Friday night’s 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons.
The 38-year-old player is set to undergo surgery next week, as confirmed by the team in a post-game announcement. Despite the setback, the Warriors anticipate Paul’s return later in the season.
The injury occurred during the third quarter when Paul missed a 3-pointer and attempted to retrieve the rebound, colliding with Detroit’s Jaden Ivey. Coach Steve Kerr expressed his concern, acknowledging Paul’s history with hand surgeries. Kerr stated, “That’s tough, I feel so bad for Chris…We’ve got to hold down the fort without him.”
Acquired from Washington on draft day for Jordan Poole, Paul has been a significant contributor to the team’s success, both as a starter and guiding the reserves. In Friday’s game, he recorded eight points, six rebounds, and four assists in 23 minutes of play.
Teammate Dario Saric, who also played with Paul in Phoenix, acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “It’s tough, Chris is a really big part of the team…It’s a huge loss.”
Before the injury, Paul was averaging 9.0 points, 7.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. Kerr emphasized the impact of Paul’s absence, describing him as an “all-time great” who seamlessly integrated into the team and played a crucial role in both the starting lineup and the second unit.
As the Warriors brace for the upcoming games without Paul, the team remains optimistic about his eventual return and is focused on adjusting and rallying in his absence.
