Paul says extra rest before Finals 'really good' for injured hand

Phoenix Suns floor general Chris Paul is using the time off before the NBA Finals get underway to ensure his body is as healthy as possible.

Paul, who will enter Game 1 on July 6 with six full days of rest, revealed he played with partially torn ligaments in his right hand during the conference finals against the Los Angeles Clippers. The 36-year-old says he managed the injury well and that "each day that we've had off has been really good" for both him and the Suns to recover, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

His hand injury is just the latest ailment Paul has been forced to overcome this postseason. The All-Star battled a nerve issue in his shoulder in the opening round against the Los Angeles Lakers, then tested positive for COVID-19 after the second round and was forced to miss Games 1 and 2 of the conference finals.

The 16-year veteran is four victories away from earning his first Larry O'Brien Trophy.