Bryan Kalbrosky
 | USA TODAY Sports
It did not take long for NBA All-Star Saturday Night to have some spice as the two players representing the Spurs were quickly disqualified.
Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama represented San Antonio in the NBA Skills Challenge and tried a unique strategy to circumvent the rules. Rather than attempt any shots, the two players instead focused on the other aspects of the drill.
It was a fascinating decision by the players, but unfortunately for Paul and Wembanyama, it was not legal. As boos reigned down from the crowd in San Francisco, they soon learned that they were not allowed to use this strategy.
Donovan Mitchell, who ended up winning the contest alongside Cleveland teammate Evan Mobley, said it was smart.
“If they weren’t disqualified, I think we probably would have just did the same thing to be honest with you,” Mitchell said. “Play to win.”
Paul was then heard on the broadcast complaining as other participants continued in the Skills Challenge.
Officials brought out the rules for Paul and Wembanyama to review, though neither seemed very happy with the decision.
wemby looks genuinely sick over getting disqualified and CP3 looks like the kid who talked his little brother into cheating on a test only for him to immediately get caught pic.twitter.com/OtbxK8x4Di
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) February 16, 2025
This was probably especially frustrating for Wembanyama considering that the Spurs brought out their physical therapist and performance coach so he could have his typical pre-game routine.
It was reportedly Wemby’s idea and, according to Draymond Green, the big man had approval from “several NBA execs” to use the process.
TNT’s Allie LaForce attempted to interview Paul (multiple times) after the ruling and he refused to chat with her about what transpired.
Talk about some excitement early in the night!
At the very least, though, it was exciting for fans watching at home.
Fans loved it
This is the best thing that’s ever happened to the Skills Challenge. We’re actually talking about it! The NBA needed a viral moment tonight and got one. Chris Paul is a genius and should be lauded for his gamesmanship.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) February 16, 2025
Chris Paul trying to win the Skills Competition on a rules technicality before ultimately losing and being visibly pissed is actually sort of a perfect summation of Chris Paul. They should play this video at his HOF induction
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) February 16, 2025
Chris Paul trying to outsmart the rules and getting disqualified is so fire. Best skills challenge ever.
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) February 16, 2025
Chris Paul’s clownery knows no limits
— Daman Rangoola (@damanr) February 16, 2025
There will never be another Chris Paul
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 16, 2025
Genuinely was planning to not watch a second of all star weekend but shout out Chris Paul trying to come up with a loophole in the Skills. You have my attention and I am CACKLING. Of course it’s CP3. I love it so much.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) February 16, 2025
Chris Paul is one of one, for better or worse
— Robert Flom (@RichHomieFlom) February 16, 2025
I think that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen on a basketball court.
Spurs get a dope showcase of a historic teammate pairing and respond with a gigantic, anti-competitive middle finger to the league that had no hope of being rewarded.
Stern would have CP3 in a black van.
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) February 16, 2025
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