Following an ugly Game 4 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, reports came out that Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul’s family was harassed and had hands put on them.
That sparked a quick investigation into the matter that concluded with “two unruly fans” being banned from Dallas’ arena, American Airlines Center, until 2023 for “giving unwanted hugs and having conversations with members of Paul’s family.”
Unfortunately for the Suns, this isn’t the first instance of fans taking things too far during postseason play.
After Monday’s practice, forward Cam Johnson said his girlfriend was involved in an altercation during Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Finals against the Bucks in Milwaukee.
“A similar situation happened with my girlfriend,” Johnson told reporters. “She got hit in the back of the head and then beer was spilled on her. It was kind of a big scene and it really frustrated me.”
“There is no room for them to be harassed, attacked and treated that way. It’s really ridiculous.”
The incident happened at an inopportune time for the forward’s family, as Johnson threw down a posterizing dunk on former Sun P.J. Tucker as the altercation was taking place. It was easily one of the the biggest plays of his career to that point, but Johnson’s family was left dealing with the incident on the concourse instead of watching the game.
Johnson added Milwaukee handled it and the fan was removed and banned from the Bucks’ arena.
Head coach Monty Williams after the incident involving Paul’s family on Sunday spoke in detail about how head scratching it is to attack other fans and another person’s mom on Mother’s Day alone. He doesn’t have direct answers to remedy the issue, but recommended measures such as private zones or sections for family.
“I really feel like families who are in to support their loved ones need to be protected a bit more,” Williams told reporters Monday. “We cannot wait for it to get to a level or two higher.”
“When I am on the road and my family is coming to see me, I am concerned at times,” Williams added. “Not because I think someone is going to put their hands on them, I’m just concerned about what they may hear.”
The Suns and Mavericks are back in action Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals with the series tied 2-2.