MINNEAPOLIS -- Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns missed Wednesday night's 129-117 win at Minnesota because of right heel soreness.

Phoenix coach Monty Williams said the team is being cautious with Paul, who left Monday's game at Philadelphia early and played just under 14 minutes. The Suns fell 100-88, their second loss in three games.

"Chris has pain like six, seven on a scale of 10, he plays," Williams said. "It's about us protecting him from himself. It's also a way to give his body some rest."

The 37-year-old Paul missed his first game of the season for the Suns. He's averaging 9.5 points and 9.4 assists this season.

Cameron Payne, who returned against Philadelphia after missing two games with a foot injury, started in Paul's place. He had 23 points.

"That's what we stand by; playing the right brand of basketball,'' teammate Devin Booker said. "We have a lot of talented guys, even when we're at full roster. There's really good players that don't get a chance to play that are in the rotation now. So, everybody's taking advantage of their opportunities.''

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.