Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul limped off the court in the second quarter of Thursday’s game against Miami Heat and did not return, leaving Miami to dominate and win 101-99.
The Rockets were on the brink of winning their sixth straight game on Thursday. They were up 45-37 when Paul got injured but looked ready to finish off Miami by the third. Then, the Heat initiated a comeback in the fourth quarter. They briefly lost it when Houston went up 92-91 but came back roaring to claim their third win in a row.
The loss was a big blow to Houston as they were on a turnaround following a poor start this season. They also had just come off a record-breaking win on Wednesday in which they shot 26 3-pointers against the Wizards to set a new NBA record.
Paul’s injury also worsens the team’s hopes of chasing an early playoff spot. According to Coach Mike D’Antoni, the point guard will undergo an MRI on Friday and is expected to miss some games. Considering that Paul’s injuries have often kept him away in big games, Rockets’ fans have a reason to worry.
An injury sidelined him in last season’s Western Conference finals, leading to a loss to the Warriors. He also didn’t start the season with Houston this season and they struggled without him.
