After a troubling Game 1, the Phoenix Suns stormed into Game 2 against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night and beat their Western Conference rivals, 123-109.
The game was a matchup between two of the biggest teams in the league and several of its most iconic stars, including Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul.
Following Phoenix’s win, it appeared that Leonard and Paul bumped into each other and some fans were wondering if there was bad blood between the two.
NBA insider Chris Haynes said that isn’t the case.
“I personally witnessed this ‘exchange’ up close. Chris Paul gave Kawhi Leonard a pat on the midsection and Leonard slapped Paul’s leg. The bump was accidental. Those two are good,” Haynes said on Twitter Wednesday morning.
I personally witnessed this “exchange” up close. Chris Paul gave Kawhi Leonard a pat on the midsection and Leonard slapped Paul’s leg. The bump was accidental. Those two are good. pic.twitter.com/Zsz2ezaZlA
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 19, 2023
It’s a good thing that Haynes cleared that up because anyone watching on TV would have guessed Leonard and Paul weren’t happy with each other.
Both men had played hard all night long with Paul posting 16 points and 8 assists while Leonard was good for 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Leonard and Paul have a lot riding on this series and this postseason.
For Leonard, he is trying to prove that he still has what it takes to lead his team all the way to the Finals after years of missed games and nagging injuries.
As for Paul, he is attempting to win his first championship ring before retirement.
This might be the last chance for both players to find the sort of playoff success they need.
Tensions are high between the Suns and Clippers and they will be even higher for Game 3 as the series makes its way to LA.
As high as they are, it seems that things are still good between Leonard and Paul no matter what it looked like.
NEXT: Fans React To Chris Paul Finally Breaking Dreadful Playoff Curse