13 November 2023 , 14:02
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Chris Paul has been labelled as the "Dirtiest player in the league" after falling into Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley during the team's Sunday (November 12) night NBA game.
Paul has gained a reputation for his questionable play over the years and has once again caused a stir when the Golden State Warriors lost 110-116 to the Timberwolves in an intense clash. The game saw both teams go head-to-head in the Western Conference with the Warriors looking to make up some ground on their opponents.
The Timberwolves have enjoyed an impressive start to the season with seven wins and two defeats, while the Warriors have endured a mixed spell of six wins and five defeats. And while the team's latest defeat did little to fill fans with confidence, neither did 'CP3's' actions during the game.
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The play came during a moment that saw both Karl-Anthony Towns and Kevon Loone involved in a scrappy attempt to pounce on a loose ball. The ball bounced in between Paul and Conley, with the Warriors star making a dive to regain possession.
In his attempt to claim the ball, Paul dove forwards and seemingly angled his shoulder into Conley's knees. The action saw Conley fall to the ground in pain and react in shock when he was called for the foul.
Seeing the moment on social media in a clip that has been viewed by millions of fans, X users were quick to express their anger.
"Chris Paul is so dirty and he does it nonchalantly like no one will notice," a user posted with the video. "Dirtiest player in the league for quite some time now," another fan echoed.
Fans also believe that the move was clearly intentional from Paul. "He knew what he was doing," one user replied. "Lol sees him and clearly throws his shoulder into his knees, what a clown," another added.
Some fans even went as far to claim that Paul should be punished for his actions, with one fan posting: "This is why I didn't like Chris Paul on the team. Because I know he's a dirty player. He picks his moments to do shit like this and he should be suspended for an extended period of time."
Paul was also lambasted last season for an altercation involving New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado. Paul - who was playing for Phoenix Suns at the time - was seen throwing an elbow towards the face of his opponent.
Paul's antics have been called out by his former opponents and pundits on several occasions, with Skip Bayless previously claiming: "The truth is, that Chris Paul, if you really analyse Chris Paul's history of cheap-shotting, he's the dirtiest player of his era.
"And I can make a case that he's the dirtiest player in the history of the NBA, because of his history of cheap-shotting opponents below the belt with shots to the groin."