“CP3 Remains the Dirtiest Player in the NBA”: D’Angelo Russell Praised by NBA Fans for Standing Up to Chris Paul

NBA veteran Chris Paul is attracting some heat on the internet for his ‘dirty play’ against D’Angelo Russell. In the final seconds of the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs game at the AT&T Center, D’Lo and CP3 got into a scuffle. The trigger, however, had happened a few seconds prior when Paul threw an elbow to break free from Russell’s full-court press.

The Lakers were ahead by eight points at the time. And, on a Spurs possession, D’Lo was guarding CP3 full-court. Paul threw the elbow while trying to make space to move the ball up the court.

And since no call was made, the game continued. But seconds later, by the time both of them reached half court, D’Lo decided to get his revenge and shoved Paul with an elbow of his own. This time, the game stopped and everyone rushed in to intervene and prevent a potential brawl.

Russell soon became the darling of the internet for standing up to Paul. CP3, on the other hand, was called out. One fan gave him the title of “the dirtiest player in the NBA”, while commenting on the clip of the on-court scuffle.

That moment could’ve easily gone unnoticed if D’Lo had not responded, to give out a no-nonsense message to Paul. Another fan lauded D’Lo for doing so.

Players being targeted on the floor is a positive sign, according to one fan. He wrote that the Russell has “too many haters” in the league. This solidifies his place as a true hooper because no one would hate or be afraid of an average baller.

Media veteran Skip Bayless also jumped in adding his take on the incident. Bayless stated: “Good for DiLo standing up for himself and going right back at Chris Paul for elbowing him. Can’t let CP3 intimidate with gray-area tactics.”

Paul, a repeat offender, has also justified his actions in the past. During the 2021 first-round playoff series against, incidentally the Lakers, CP3, who was with the Phoenix Suns at the time, sprinted from behind to take down LeBron James. The four-time MVP, who was attempting to secure a rebound off his own miss near the free-throw line, collapsed awkwardly, clutching his shoulder.

Later, after facing criticism, and the “dirtiest player” tag for the nth time as well, Paul was least bothered. “I don’t know anything about that. I have absolutely nothing to say about that. We’re just playing basketball and competing,” he had told Yahoo Sports.

In the game featuring the latest indiscretion, despite all the tricks, dirty and not-so dirty, Paul’s side ended losing 101-119. CP3 had a poor outing with five points, two rebounds, and six assists. D’Lo, on the other hand, had a decent game with 17 points, one rebound, and five assists.