Doc Rivers: Paul plays, Redick out vs. Warriors
Reinforcements arrived just in time for the Los Angeles Clippers' grudge match against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers told reporters before the game that point guard Chris Paul will make his return from a pulled groin that had sidelined him for three of the team's past five games.
Paul hurt his groin in the Clippers' narrow loss to the Warriors two weeks ago. His injury inspired a meme dedicated to Paul's glazed look of infinite sadness while watching the Warriors celebrate from his bench.
His return, however, changes the entire equation for the Clippers. Paul will take the reins from Blake Griffin, who assumed the lion's share of playmaking duties in Paul's absence.
His stingy defense will also make things infinitely harder for reigning MVP Stephen Curry, although that's hardly stopped Curry in the past.
Paul is averaging 15.7 points, eight assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in what has thus far been an injury-laden season for the eight-time All-Star.
Shooting guard J.J. Redick, however, will sit out as he's apparently still dealing with back spasms.