Chris Paul starts vs. Celtics after 14-game absence

Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul started Wednesday against the Boston Celtics in his return from a right heel injury.

Paul has missed the Suns' last 14 games due to the ailment, which he suffered in a Nov. 7 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 37-year-old struggled in 10 contests prior to the injury, averaging a career-low 9.5 points and shooting just 36.8% from the field.

In Paul's absence, backup point guard Cameron Payne averaged 15.1 points and 7.3 assists in 14 starts, knocking down 39.5% of his 3-pointers.

Paul is in his third season with the Suns. He earned All-Star berths in each of the past two campaigns and helped lead Phoenix to the NBA Finals in 2021.