The Phoenix Suns were prepared for a less contentious reunion on Wednesday, with Chris Paul playing his first game back in the Valley since being traded during the summer, following their celebration of one reunion with Deandre Ayton on Tuesday night.
The fans were ready to honor him for his three incredible seasons in Phoenix, the video tribute was ready, and Paul and Devin Booker, who are often rivals and siblings, exchanged barbs throughout the better part of the first half while grinning broadly.
With 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter, however, that story took on a secondary importance and left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths.