Chris Paul was ejected from the Golden State Warriors’ 123-111 loss against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. The veteran point guard received two technical fouls in quick succession. He had been interacting with veteran game official Tony Brothers.
When addressing the media during his postgame press conference, Paul revealed what he had said to get himself in hot water with Brothers. He admitted to calling the veteran referee a “Tik Toker” in reference to the power he can wield over a game, which is also what he told Brothers in order to receive his second technical.
“Old Tony,” Paul said. “He was talking to me, I talked back. I called him a Tik Toker and I get a tech. The first one. I just said ‘Tick Toker’ and he gave me a tech. The second one, I just said ‘that’s too much power,’ gave me another tech. He the judge the jury and all that.”
Paul’s ejection certainly had a negative effect on his team. The Warriors are looking to build momentum heading into a tough play-in tournament. As such, losing one of their best ball-handlers was a blow they could have done without.
"I called him a TikToker, and I got a tech."
CP3 reveals what led to his second technical and ejection from Tony Brothers 😅 pic.twitter.com/gINetwV4Sw
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 23, 2024
Nevertheless, Paul will still have an important role to play for his team. He was acquired to provide the additional playmaking, ball-handling, perimeter defense, and veteran leadership Steve Kerr‘s second unit had been missing. If he can stay healthy and remain on the court, he will undoubtedly influence the Warriors’ success in the postseason.
