A few months ago, Patrick Beverley had been called to order by some of his peers following his violent criticism of Chris Paul. So at Wolves, he called his counterpart from the Suns a “defensive plot”…
Today at the Lakers, Patrick Beverley does not seem to have changed his mind and after causing the 2+1 against Chris Paul, he made fun of his opponent, explaining (by gesture) that his opponent was too small to defend on him. Problem: in addition to the players being almost the same height and the same weight, the Suns led by 26 points (70-44) at this time of the third quarter…
“You can’t pay attention to that kind of stuff” evacuated Chris Paul after the big victory of Phoenix. “It’s not new. He didn’t invent that. But man, just play basketball.”
Between the difference in score and the difference in terms of production (28 points, 8 assists and 0 ball losses for Chris Paul against 9 points, 3 assists and 3 ball losses for Patrick Beverley), this “trashtalking” appeared quite ridiculous.
“Pat, it’s Pat” replied Darvin Ham. “His emotions are on edge. Everyone’s a little tense about the guys’ celebrations. Obviously, there are questions of fair play, and you have to be respectful of the opponent. I understand that. But that’s usually the case. And then I don’t want the league to become a place where natural enthusiasm is banished.
For the Lakers coach, all shots are allowed in the “trashltaking”, provided you do not attack the opponent’s family, in particular his wife and children. The rest is “entertainment”.
“Pat is an experienced veteran, and he wants to have fun as part of the game. So I’m never going to tell these guys they can’t have fun or they can’t do this or that. I know time and score matter, and we don’t want to embarrass ourselves. But if guys want to have fun, then why not? »
