May 8, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) reacts to receiving his sixth foul call and fouling out of the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter during game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Paul’s sixth foul against Mavericks sparks controversy

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Darryn Albert | Last updated 5/8/22

Chris Paul was on the receiving end of a divisive foul call during Sunday’s Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Phoenix Suns star fouled out with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Paul was whistled for a loose ball foul while jockeying for position with Mavericks counterpart Jalen Brunson, but there did not appear to be very much contact.

Chris Paul has fouled out of Game 4 after this play on Jalen Brunson. pic.twitter.com/r5ooajNzCw

— ESPN (@espn) May 8, 2022

Some felt Paul had swiped down on Brunson’s arm as Brunson gathered for the second shot attempt, creating grounds for a legitimate foul call. Others thought that the contact was incidental and that officials should not have whistled Paul for a disqualifying foul on the play.

The Mavericks went on to win 111-101 to tie the series at 2-2. They were outscoring the Suns by six points after Paul fouled out, leading to both teams emptying their benches in the final minute.

While there have been more objectionable instances this postseason of star players fouling out, Paul’s sixth foul is definitely one that will spark debate heading into Game 5 in Phoenix on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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