Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams said the NBA should consider having a special section of the stands set aside for families of visiting teams after Chris Paul’s family was harassed during Sunday’s playoff game. in Dallas.
The incident happened during Game 4 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns in the Western Conference semifinals.
ESPN reported that members of Paul’s family were harassed by fans and that some made physical contact with them. The Mavericks noted that a fan was ejected from the stage.
“It’s tough, because it happens more and more and more,” Williams said Monday during practice. “Situations are now reaching a point where I really think families, who are there to support their loved ones, need a little more protection. Whether or not we should give these people a section, a suite, something must be done.
“Because we shouldn’t wait for things to escalate a level or two before we do what we need to do. Yesterday was unnecessary.”
The Maverics said after the game that they were aware of the incident between a fan and Paul’s family at the American Airlines Center.
Williams said he was unaware of the hostility because the game was still in progress.
The Maverics said in a statement Monday that the fans involved were banned from the stage for eight months.