Leaked audio indicates what started the fistfight between Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo in 2018

In the NBA, players rarely throw punches. They bark more than they bite at most, fearing suspensions and fines that cut deep into their pockets. However, in October 2018, something unusual happened during a game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.

During the fourth quarter, Rockets star Chris Paul confronted Lakers guard Rajon Rondo after an altercation involving LA's Brandon Ingram and Houston's James Harden. Not long after, Rondo threw a punch combo that hit the "Point God" square on the jaw before teammates and coaches stepped in to break up the fight.

The incident caused a black eye on the league. While both CP3 and Rondo are feisty players, neither has a violent history. It was recently revealed through leaked audio from the game that CP had initially escalated the situation by engaging Rondo in some trash talk, which the latter didn't appreciate.

A contentious affair

In a video posted by professional lip reader LegendZ, CP told Rondo, "Who are you?" Rondo, by then a four-time All-Star and considered one of the best and most intelligent guards of this generation, apparently got irked by Chris' comments and spat on the latter's face. Shocked by his reaction, Paul put his finger in Rondo's face and uttered, "Don't spit on me like that again! Don't you ever spit on me!" Rondo then responded by landing a flurry of punches on CP3's face.

The NBA handed multiple suspensions for that incident. Ingram received a four-game suspension for starting the fight and throwing a punch in the middle of the skirmish. Rondo was suspended for three games, while Chris received a two-game suspension.

Nothing but respect

Five years after the fistfight, emotions have simmered down. From Rondo's end, it appears he has moved on from that incident and praised Chris for what he's done throughout his long, decorated career.

"What he's done in his career is unmatched," Rajon said on JJ Redick's podcast in 2023. "There's a lot of respect for him and how he plays and what he's done for his career."

The floor general even surmised why he and CP often clashed when they shared the floor.

"We are mutual friends with Trevor Ariza, he always says that we have a lot of similarities. Maybe that's why we're so feisty when we compete the way we do against each other," Rondo stressed.

Despite that incident, there's no denying how incredible the two guards have been. Rondo has already officially retired, announcing it in April 2024. Meanwhile, CP3 continues to play, recently signing with the San Antonio Spurs, where he's expected to make life easier for French wunderkind Victor Wembanyama.

Related: The history of the Chris Paul - Rajon Rondo beef