Suns Coach Monty Williams said he had essentially decided before the game to pull Paul from the lineup. Paul had been ineffective in Game 3, and Williams said he was concerned — concerned about Paul’s health and concerned that his presence could actually hinder the team. So, a few minutes before the Suns gathered as a team, Williams met with Paul and James Jones, the Suns’ general manager, and shared how he felt. He said he called his brother, C.J., and conferred with the other members of his inner circle. “If you all feel like I’m out here looking like some trash, just tell me and I’ll get out,” Paul recalled telling them.

Source: New York Times May 31, 2021 13:52 UTC