It started with the comment from Rondo that was reported by Chris Mannix on Twitter (and subsequently on every Hornets blog) that Chris Paul had the stats he does because he has the ball in his hands all the time.
In tonight's game, the two point guards got tangled up under the basket at one point and they had to be separated. They each received a double technical and seemed to play well together the rest of the game.
But, after the game there were more fireworks. As the teams were leaving the court after the game, the two went at it again and had to be separated once again. Then, according to RealGM, Chris Paul had to be restrained from following Rondo into the Celtics locker room.
Hornets point guard Chris Paul had to be held back after Sunday's loss to the Celtics when he tried to enter Boston's locker room. Their post game quotes were civil, but seem to be veiled digs at each other.
First, Jeff Twiss told the press that Rondo didn't want to talk about Chris Paul... ever.
"Rajon has requested you not ask anything about Chris Paul now, tomorrow, or any other time," Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss said when Rondo limped out of the trainer's room favoring his right ankle. Then Rondo had this to say:
"We have different styles based on what each team needs," Rondo said. "He has to do a lot more than what I have to do. My job is easy playing with these guys." And Chris Paul had this to say:
"Rondo is a lucky guy, to play with guys like Pierce, [Ray] Allen and [Kevin] Garnett," Paul, who scored 22 points with eight assists, said with a sly smile. It is very safe to say that these two don't like each other and a genuine rivalry is developing between them. In this game Chris Paul may have won the battle (22points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals to 6 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists and 3 steals for Rondo), but Rondo won the war (Celtics 97, Hornets 87). We don't play this team again until February 10, but mark your calendars, because it is going to be a good one.
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