MY ACCOUNT
Chris Paul was perplexed by a “ridiculous” technical foul he received in the Phoenix Suns’ Game 5 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Paul described the officiating as “out of control” after he was hit with an eight-second violation when the Suns were leading 100-92 in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix went on to win 112-97 at Footprint Center on Tuesday, taking a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference playoffs first-round series.
Paul, who scored 22 points and contributed 11 assists, made his feelings clear when asked about his technical foul, revealing he merely said “C’mon” at the scorer’s table as he wanted a review.
He said: ‘”It’s out of control, that’s ridiculous. It is what it is. We try not to get fourth-quarter techs on our team. That’s a big deal.”
Mikal Bridges starred with 31 points as the Suns gave themselves the opportunity to wrap up the series in Game 6 in New Orleans on Thursday.
The 25-year-old small forward said: “I’m ready to play tomorrow. I’m energised, my team-mates keep me going. I’m itching my knee right now, talking about it.
“I’m ready, I love being out there with my team-mates. They’re my best friends, it makes it way easier.”
Paul said of Bridges’ exploits: “He doesn’t miss games, he guards the best players every night and then he has 31.”
Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram had fingers taped up following the game, but says he will play in Game 6.
“It’s fine,” Ingram said. “It got a little banged up during the game, but I’ll be all right.”
