Chris Paul family members harassed by Dallas Mavericks’ fans

Phoenix Suns veteran point guard Chris Paul’s family members were involved in an altercation during Sunday’s NBA playoff game at the Dallas Mavericks’ home court as a home fan was ejected as a consequence.

“They want to fine players for saying things to fans, but fans can put their hands on our families...damn it!!!!” cried Paul, who was ejected from the game for personalities with nine minutes left.

The point guard, who turned 37 on Friday, was seen talking to court security personnel during the final quarter and asked to be excused from the postgame press conference.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that, according to a person close to Paul, Mavericks fans went so far as to lay hands on the player’s mother and push his wife in front of their children.

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“They felt very insecure,” said the source, who was not identified.

The Mavericks later issued a statement confirming the incident and attributing it to a single fan who was ejected from the venue.

“The Dallas Mavericks are aware of an incident between a fan and the family of Chris Paul,” the Texans team said. “It was unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. The Mavericks, along with the American Airlines Center, promptly removed the fan from today’s game.”

Playoff tension

The behavior of some spectators has created tense situations with players in these NBA playoffs.

Earlier in this series, Dallas star Luka Doncic had to be restrained from confronting a Suns fan who taunted him on the way to the locker room during Game 2 in Phoenix.

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In another tie, Golden State Warriors power forward Draymond Green was booed and insulted in Memphis as he also headed to the locker room for attention after an elbow to the right eye.

The temperamental Green responded by showing his middle finger to the stands, costing him a $25,000 fine from the NBA.