It’s been a tough birthday weekend for Chris Paul.
The Phoenix Suns guard has fouled out in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks with his team trailing. Paul has only been disqualified from a playoff game in three other instances in his career.
Fourth career playoff disqualification for the Phoenix floor leader ... after seven turnovers for Chris Paul on his 37th birthday in Friday night's Game 3 defeat.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 8, 2022
The Suns, though, will not go away. Dallas lead down to 6 with 7:12 remaining. https://t.co/NEMCIxIgDI
Paul finished the contest with five points and seven assists, his fifth straight game without reaching double-digit assists. The veteran was lauded for his brilliance early in this series, particularly in Game 2 when he took over the fourth quarter. However, these past two games have been major disappointments for Paul.
Chris Paul has fouled out of Game 4 after this play on Jalen Brunson. pic.twitter.com/r5ooajNzCw
— ESPN (@espn) May 8, 2022
With the guard out for the rest of the game, look for the Suns to rely on Devin Booker and Cameron Payne in the backcourt. Booker has been the engine for this team offensively, while Payne got some valuable experience during the Pelicans first-round series and can provide key minutes if called upon.