In the second quarter of Game 5 between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans, Chris Paul kicked Jose Alvarado right in the groin while going up for a shot. Now, the NBA has announced its punishment for the play.
Paul has been officially assessed a flagrant foul for kicking Alvarado.
Chris Paul (PHX) has been assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review for his contact against Jose Alvarado (NOP) at 4:35 of the 2nd quarter on 4/26/22. pic.twitter.com/TY2JM3vbfr
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) April 28, 2022
“Chris Paul (PHX) has been assessed a Flagrant Foul 1 upon league review for his contact against Jose Alvarado (NOP) at 4:35 of the 2nd quarter on 4/26/22,” said the NBA in their announcement.
The decision doesn’t really do too much other than sending the message to Paul that he should have been assessed a foul during the game. Though, Paul could get suspended if, during the playoffs, he ends up garnering three more flagrant fouls.
It also doesn’t change the fact that Paul finished Game 5 with 22 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds in the Suns’ 112-97 win.
Alvarado has been guarding Paul pretty tight all season long and it’s not hard to see that frustrations over that may have boiled over at the moment. Still, that doesn’t excuse the low blow. Also, it’s the kind of move that could be ripe for retaliation, be it from Alvarado or one of his teammates.
We’ll find out if there’s still bad blood between the two players, or both teams, when Game 6 between the Pelicans and Suns tips on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
[NBA]
