Following a Game 2 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Devin Booker had something to get off his chest during his postgame press conference.
During the lopsided loss, the Phoenix Suns star was whistled for a technical foul. The call was after Booker attempted to save a ball from going out of bounds. When he smacked it back, the ball hit a Thunder player.
The play seemed harmless, but the Thunder argued for a technical foul, and they got it. That set Booker off later on.
“It’s definitely something that has to be looked into,” the star guard told reporters.
“I heard Caruso tell them to call the tech, and he ended up doing it. In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James [Williams] was terrible tonight, through and through. It’s bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as the WWE if they’re not held responsible.”
Suns Owner Makes A Statement
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 25: Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Michigan State University head basketball coach Tom Izzo talk prior to game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia took to social media to offer his take on the situation.
To no surprise, he is supporting Booker’s statement.
“I am 100% behind Devin Booker here. Last night was not a good look for our league. Let me be clear, we didnât lose because of officiating, but that doesnât make last night any less important,” said Ishbia.
“If the referees are going to demand respect from the players – as they should – then the players should demand respect from the referees. When a referee is missing calls and clearly disrespecting the players, almost mocking them, they must be held accountable. Nobody who loves this game enjoyed watching that last night. They want to see the players compete at the highest level. The league needs be far more aggressive about this kind of thing. All players and all fans deserve it.”
The Phoenix Suns Fall Short
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 20: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Although the Suns are gaining a lot of support for speaking out on the Devin Booker technical foul situation, nothing can change the fact that the Suns are struggling in their first-round series against the Thunder.
Game 2 was another lopsided loss for the Suns, as they fell short 120-107.
Now, the Suns are trailing 0-2 as the series goes to Phoenix for the first time.
Game 3 will take place on Saturday, April 25, tipping off at 3:30 PM ET.
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