Patrick Beverley out at least 3-4 weeks with fractured hand

Patrick Beverley's return was short-lived.

The Los Angeles Clippers point guard will miss at least three to four weeks after undergoing surgery on a fracture in his right hand, the team announced Friday.

Beverley had just returned from an extended absence due to a right knee issue. His appearance in Tuesday's game was his first since March 11, and he only played in one more game.

The injury appeared to be sustained in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Beverley's hand received from hard contact from Chris Paul as the Suns guard came down with a rebounds:

That hand injury might have forced Beverley's eventual exit from the game, had this not happened seconds later:

If Beverley is forced to miss more than four weeks, his absence could extend into the playoffs, which begin on May 22. The Clippers currently sit in third place in the Western Conference with a 35-18 record.

What will Clippers do without Patrick Beverley?

Beverley's importance to the Clippers goes well beyond his 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season, as his 3-point shooting and defense in the backcourt are vital to what the team wants to do when it's at full strength.

If Beverley has to miss significant time, that could mean significantly more minutes for Reggie Jackson and trade deadline acquisition Rajon Rondo, who did plenty to inspire confidence on Thursday.

Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks for Lou Williams, draft picks and cash, Rondo posted 15 points (5-of-8 shooting, 3-of-4 from deep), nine assists, three rebounds and zero turnovers on Thursday. He led the team with a plus-24 rating on the court, while doing stuff like this:

Obviously, Rondo and Beverley are about as different as point guards get, but it's an adjustment the Clippers may need to make if they want to stay afloat in the standings. There could also be more time on the court for the likes of Terance Mann and Luke Kennard in Beverley's absence.

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