Paul shines in return vs. Nuggets after 15-game absence

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul finished with 17 points, 13 assists, and five boards in Thursday's 140-130 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Paul returned to the starting lineup after missing the last 15 games with a fractured thumb. Phoenix went 11-4 during the floor general's absence. Cameron Payne primarily filled in for Paul, averaging 14.1 points and 9.5 assists in 11 starts.

The 36-year-old, who last played just over five weeks ago Feb. 16, was initially expected to miss at least six-to-eight weeks.

Paul is recording 14.9 points and a league-high 10.7 assists in 58 games this season.

Phoenix sits atop the Western Conference at 60-14. The Suns clinched the association's top overall record with Thursday's win.