On two separate occasions on Sunday night, Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul engaged in some less-than-friendly conversations on the court, with eyes of spectators and the lenses of TV cameras focused on them.
As it turned out, there was nearly a third encounter — one which could the fans couldn't see and one which could have been costly.
According to a report by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Paul headed toward the Celtics' locker room after the game, shortly after he and Rondo got into their second shouting match of the evening. Several coaches prevented Paul from teaching Rondo to "respect [him] as a man," according to the report.
Part of the argument began when, sources tell Yahoo, Rondo told Paul, "I've got a ring, and you're never gonna win one."
Rondo also reportedly said that Paul's "frustration dripped with envy."
Paul's frustrations may have carried over into the next game, as the point guard — widely considered the best in the game — had another incident on Monday night against the Knicks. Paul dove for a loose ball and made contact with Al Harrington, and the league could review what exactly took place. The league is also reviewing the events of Sunday night.
Of course, both Paul and Rondo have at times let their "fire" or "competitiveness" spill over a bit on the court. Paul, while playing for Wake Forest, once punched an NC State player in the crotch, while Rondo has nearly squared off with Rafer Alston and Kirk Hinrich in the middle of games.
Part of Paul's issue may be the fact that Rondo and the Celtics have now defeated the Hornets in four straight contests, dating back to March 28, 2008. Rondo always elevates his game when playing against elite opponents, so when the Celtics travel to New Orleans on Feb. 10, the next chapter in the Rondo-Paul feud will undoubtedly be must-watch entertainment.
