For the first time since SpitGate on Oct. 21, for which both Chris Paul and Lakers guard Rajon Rondo received suspensions, the two are healthy enough to face off on the basketball court. One might expect Paul to harbor ill will toward Rondo after being splashed with spit, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reports that Paul isn’t focused on the incident.
The skirmish occurred when Rondo, intentionally or otherwise, blew saliva in Paul’s face during a heated back and forth. Paul responded by sticking his finger in Rondo’s face. Punches were thrown, players were pulled apart, and a total of nine games worth of suspensions were handed out. Rondo received three for instigating, Paul received two for escalating, and Lakers forward Brandon Ingram received four for various hostilities.
Although livid in the heat of the moment, Paul was able to put it behind him, even immediately after. Once Paul received his suspension, he told reporters that, “it is what it is,” redirecting the narrative toward preparing for the next few games.
Paul appears to be approaching the upcoming matchup with similar poise.
