Chris Paul wasn't at the opening game of the Western Conference Finals, but he was there in spirit (and more, apparently).
As Paul is going through the NBA's health and safety protocols for a reported positive COVID-19 test, the Phoenix point guard wasn't allowed in the building.
Suns forward Jae Crowder, though, believes Paul was cheering on teammates in an interesting way: By texting brother CJ Paul, who operated as a CP3 proxy during the game, shouting game advice to Phoenix players from the sideline.
Jae Crowder told me he suspects Chris Paul was texting his brother CJ during the game because CJ was yelling out strategy points from the sideline. Jae: “I know that was CP.” 😂 The Clippers got their own brother-assist from Markieff Morris, who was courtside/helping twin Marcus https://t.co/uLK48HDUTe
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 20, 2021
"Jae Crowder told me he suspects Chris Paul was texting his brother CJ during the game because CJ was yelling out strategy points from the sideline," ESPN's Rachel Nichols tweeted. "Jae: 'I know that was CP.' The Clippers got their own brother-assist from Markieff Morris, who was courtside/helping twin Marcus."
Paul, who is currently without a return date, has been part of the engine that has made the Suns go in the playoffs. Without him on Sunday, Phoenix superstar Devin Booker exploded for his first career triple-double (40 points, 11 assists, 13 rebounds) in a 120-114 win over the Clippers.
Here's hoping that CP3 will be back on the court soon. Texts aren't the same as the real thing.
Cliff Paul could not be reached for comment.
