Minnesota Timberwolves’ guard Patrick Beverley said that Phoenix Suns’ star Chris Paul “can’t guard anybody” in an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Monday morning.
“He can’t guard,” Beverley said.
“He literally can’t guard… everyone knows that.”
Beverley went on to suggest Paul’s defense was akin to a “cone” used in practice.
Paul, who has been selected to the All-Defensive team nine times, has the fourth most steals in NBA history, behind only John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Michael Jordan.
Beverley, who has been selected to the All-Defensive team three times, hasn’t shied away from trash-talk in the past – so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that he’d dig into Paul after such a poor performance.
Paul posted a dismal stat-line of 10 points, four assists, and one steal with a +- of -39 in the Suns’ 123-90 Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
It should be noted that Paul shot an efficient 4-8 from the field, while fellow Suns’ star Devin Booker shot 3-14 from the field.
No Suns player had more than 12 points.
Needless to say, the Suns had a bad game.