Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard Share Icy Postgame Interaction As Series Tensions Flare

In a highly contentious Game 2 in the West’s first-round playoff matchup between the Suns and Clippers on Tuesday night, Phoenix evened the series at one game a piece with a 123–109 win. The series now heads to Los Angeles.

Chris Paul broke the “Scott Foster Curse” with a well-rounded performance, while Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combined for 63 points on 24 made shots.

Paul has been part of his fair share of tough matchups against Clippers star Kawhi Leonard throughout his career, dating back to Leonard’s time in San Antonio and Paul’s time with the Clippers and Rockets.

So it should come as no surprise that in the heat of a tight playoff series, the two stopped short of exchanging pleasantries in the postgame. In fact, their interaction was quite icy, with Paul and Leonard brushing shoulders as they walked to their respective locker rooms after the game.

this CP3 and Kawhi bump ???? what’s that about pic.twitter.com/djEXms4UTF

— alex medina (@mrmedina) April 19, 2023

TNT insider Chris Haynes, who was on hand for Game 2, provided his own perspective on the interaction on Wednesday morning. He said that he witnessed the exchange between Paul and Leonard “up close” and that he viewed the bump as “accidental,” rather than an intentional slight by either player.

There might not be anything to it, but it looks like any friendly interactions will be on hold until the series is concluded.