What was already there, A turbulent and disappointing season for the Warriorsthey also experienced setbacks.
The team announced Friday night that point guard Chris Paul fractured his left hand and will undergo surgery next week.
After the Warriors' 113-109 win over the Pistons, coach Steve Kerr said, “It's tough. I feel really bad for Chris. I know he's had several hand surgeries before I believe. Yes, but maybe it's on the other hand.” “When I saw him have it, I got worried right away. I got the call after I got up off the floor. So I feel terrible for Chris and obviously the players have stepped up. He’ll be up and ready to play. We’ve got to hold down the fort without him.”
With just over six minutes left in the third quarter, the 38-year-old Paul attempted a contested 3-pointer, but it hit the front of the rim.
The rebound went long and he went for it, but appeared to collide with Detroit guard Jaden Ivey, who corralled the ball and carried it to the other side of the court.
Paul then grabbed his left hand and went to the locker room, where he was ruled out for the rest of the night.
“It's tough. Chris is a really important part of the team,” said Dario Saric, Paul's teammate at Phoenix. “We're going to have to figure it out one way or another. … It's a huge loss.”
He had eight points, six rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes.
This is the second time in the past three years that Paul has had surgery on that part of his body, having previously undergone surgery on his left wrist while with the Suns in 2021.
The 12-time NBA All-Star entered Friday night averaging nine points and 7.3 assists per game.
“It's going to be a tough situation. Chris is the best player of all time and he's a great fit for our team and has made it very easy for us as well as Steph (Curry). He's like the captain of the second unit. '' Coach Kerr said.
The Warriors will now rely heavily on Brandin Podzemski and Cory Joseph at point guard, with Moses Moody returning to the team's rotation. The Athletic reported.
— With AP
