LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 30: Patrick Beverley #21 of the LA Clippers reacts against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The NBA has suspended Patrick Beverley for one game without pay for pushing Chris Paul in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals.
LA Clippers guard Patrick Beverley was ejected in the closing minutes of the Western Conference Finals for forcefully shoving Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul during a timeout break. It was a completely uncalled-for, unsportsmanlike act with less than six minutes remaining in a Suns blowout. Beverley has since apologized for getting caught up in emotions, but that doesn’t make a dirty play okay.
After reviewing the situation, NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, Kiki VanDeWeghe announced Beverley will be suspended for one game without pay. As a result, Beverley will miss the first game of the 2021-22 NBA season that he is eligible to play in.
Beverley suspended for dirty play in Game 6
As one of the NBA’s premier defenders, Beverley is known for wreaking havoc on the basketball court. However, shoving Paul to the floor when his back was turned was a truly ugly moment that could have resulted in injury.
Losing with a Finals berth on the line is never easy, but losing his cool is a stain on Beverley’s record that won’t soon be forgotten. It’s a disappointing ending to an otherwise memorable playoff run for the Clippers.
Beverley averaged a career-low 4.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game across 17 games in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.