Chris Paul to be evaluated after injuring hamstring in Rockets win
HOUSTON -- Rockets star guard Chris Paul's status for Game 6 of the Western Conference finals is in question because of a right hamstring injury.
Paul exited Houston's 98-94 Game 5 win over the Golden State Warriors in the final minute of Thursday's contest and received extensive postgame treatment, leaving the Toyota Center around midnight.
"I will be all right," Paul told The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears as he left the arena. Asked specifically about Game 6 on Saturday, Paul said, "Oh, yeah."
The Rockets will update Paul's status after he gets more treatment Friday morning.
"We'll see [if he can play Game 6]. He'll be evaluated tomorrow, but obviously you saw him limp off, and he's a tough guy," Houston coach Mike D'Antoni said. "They'll do whatever they can do. If he's there, great, good for him. If he isn't, we have enough guys; it's time for somebody else to step up.
"We'll be all right. We just have to continue what we're doing."
A 13-year veteran who is one win away from his first NBA Finals appearance, Paul reached for the hamstring after missing a runner in the lane with 51.7 seconds left. He limped noticeably during the next two possessions and checked out of the game after briefly consulting with Rockets athletic trainer Keith Jones during a timeout with 22.4 seconds remaining.
Paul scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half to help Houston take a 3-2 series lead. He also had seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
He has been dealing with soreness in his right foot since late in Game 2. He said the soreness diminished significantly between Games 3 and 4.
Paul has been sidelined by a hamstring injury on four occasions during his career, according to ESPN Stats & Information. His shortest absence due to a hamstring injury was two games, which occurred during the 2015 West semifinals against the Rockets, when he played for the LA Clippers. A hamstring injury sidelined Paul for five games in January 2012, seven games in December 2016 and January 2017, and three games in March this season.
"There is a concern, obviously," Rockets forward Trevor Ariza said. "I hope he's healthy. I hope he gets better, and if not, somebody else has to step up and do what we've been doing all year -- step in and try to help this team win."
The Rockets managed to go 15-6 this season in games Paul missed when they had probable MVP guard James Harden and blossoming star center Clint Capela available. Houston has outscored the Warriors by 11 points in 47 minutes during the West finals with Harden on the floor and Paul resting.
"If a guy goes down, it's next man up," Rockets forward PJ Tucker said. "That's part of the game. We've done that all year."
