What Happened Between KD, CP3?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 9:51 AM ET

Following the devastating Victor Wembanyama news, the San Antonio Spurs desperately needed a feel-good win to supply their fans. On Thursday, the Spurs beat the Phoenix Suns 120-109 in a massive upset. During the contest, Chris Paul got into it with his former Suns teammate Kevin Durant. After the game, Durant revealed a reason for confrontation with Paul.

Paul is the ultimate practitioner of gamesmanship. Seldom do players get called for a game delay for untucked shirts, but Paul is the reason it has happened in recent NBA history. Expect Paul to traverse that road if there is an avenue for a win.

The Suns' recent struggle was like blood in the water for a shark like Paul. Despite playing out of his prime, his mind is as sharp as ever. During a pressing moment of Thursday's game, Paul found an opportunity to get in Durant's head.

After a play in which the ball went out of bounds, Durant directed his attention to Paul, clapping his hands and exchanging choice words with his former teammate. In reaction, Paul grabbed De'Aaron Fox's hand, positioning the young star guard between him and the upset Durant.

After the game, Durant spoke about why Paul would do such a thing during the game.

"You know he likes gimmicks, anything to win the game," Durant said. "I think he was just trying to get in my head, knowing I was heating up a little bit."

Without Wembanyama on the court, the Spurs must scratch, claw, and perhaps even "gimmick" their way into a victory over the talented, albeit struggling Suns.

The Spurs play the young Detroit Pistons on Friday. What tricks does Paul have up his sleeve in the second game on a back-to-back schedule against a young, improved Eastern Conference team?

One thing is for sure: Paul always has an antic ready in hopes of securing a victory.

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

More must-reads: