Getty

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 17: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns speaks to the media at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 17, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was assessed a $35,000 fine for critizing the officials after the team’s 13-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs. 

The league stated it found “no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials” to support the decision to fine Booker.

Booker, 29, was visibly frustrated with the officiating multiple times in the Suns’ 107-120 loss Wednesday night. 

In the final minutes of the third quarter, Booker was assessed a technical foul — which the NBA rescinded Thursday — after trying to save the ball from going out of bounds, but it ended up hitting Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams.

Thunder guard Alex Caruso pleaded to the officials that Booker should be given a technical foul for the play. It appeared, however, the Suns star was attempting to prevent the ball from going out of bounds to avoid a Pheonix turnover. Booker was especially irate after he felt he was given a tech because Caruso asked the officials to.

After the game, Booker didn’t conceal his frustrations with the officiating and even called out referee James Williams by name.

“In 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name,” Booker expressed in the postgame press conference,” but James 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 a WWE if they’re not held responsible. It just feels disrespectful. I know I haven’t won a championship in this league, but I have been in it for 11 years now. So to get to this point to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud, it’s bad.”

Devin Booker Explains his Side of the Story

Before Booker was assessed a technical foul in the third quarter, he was already frustrated for being called for an offensive foul on Caruso.

Booker, attempting to draw a foul, appeared to have brushed Caruso’s face as he went up for the shot. Phoenix challenged the ruling of an offensive foul, but the call stood, amplifying Booker’s displeasure.

GettyDevin Booker on offense.

Booker’s frustration continued on an ensuing Thunder possession. The Suns were called for a defensive foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who went to the line for two free throws after drawing contact on a shot attempt. Booker appeared to take issue with the decision, believing Gilgeous-Alexander made a similar play to the one that led to his own offensive foul earlier, where no call went against the Thunder guard.

Booker said officials told him his offensive foul was called because of an “unnatural shooting motion” as he attempted a shot over Caruso.

“If that’s an unnatural shooting motion compared to what guys are doing to get fouls nowadays … I’m surprised this is happening on national TV in playoff games.”

Added Booker: “This is my first time in 11 years, but it’s needed. “Whatever I get fined for it, everybody can pull the clips and see where the frustration is from.”

Thunder Storm Over Phoenix in Games 1 and 2

The alleged imbalance in officiating has only made circumstances worse for the Suns, who have been outscored by a whopping 48 points over the first games of the series. 

Phoenix has struggled to avoid turnovers — a literal death sentence against the Wolverine-like defense of the Thunder — and create quality offense in the half court. 

Oklahoma City has kept Booker and Jalen Green in check over the first two games. Suns swingman Dillon Brooks shot poorly in Game 1 but logged an efficient 30-point outing in Game 2.

As the series shifts to Phoenix, the Suns have effectively one final chance at making this a series and steering clear of an irreversible 0-3 deficit.