Booker, Brooks Blast Officiating After Suns’ Game 2 Defeat in Oklahoma City
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Frustration over the whistle overshadowed the Phoenix Suns’ 120-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, as guard Devin Booker and forward Dillon Brooks sharply criticized the officiating during separate post-game press conferences.
Booker received a technical foul in the third quarter after colliding with Thunder center Jaylin Williams while trying to save a loose ball. Although Williams was charged with a personal foul, Booker was hit with a technical when Thunder guard Alex Caruso urged the referee to call it.
“I never got an explanation,” Booker told reporters, singling out crew chief James Williams. “In my 11 years I’ve never called a ref out by name, but James was terrible tonight. It’s bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start looking at this like WWE if there’s no accountability.”
The three-time All-Star was also called for two offensive fouls while being guarded by Caruso. On one of those plays, officials ruled Booker used an “unnatural shooting motion,” a decision he labeled “disrespectful.”
“This is my first time speaking up in 11 years,” Booker added. “Whatever fine comes, everyone can watch the clips and see why I’m frustrated.”
Brooks’ ire centered on a fifth personal foul assessed in the fourth quarter as he defended Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “You should be interviewing the officials,” Brooks said. “They need to explain themselves. It’s getting ridiculous, and now they’re just whistling on one side.”
Calling Gilgeous-Alexander “a little frail,” Brooks said he must adjust to how the game is being called. He also criticized what he described as excessive flopping. “This is physical basketball,” he said. “Don’t decide the game on free throws.”
Oklahoma City, the defending NBA champion, has outscored Phoenix by a combined 48 points through two games. The series shifts to Footprint Center for Game 3, and the Thunder’s status for forward Jalen Williams remains uncertain.
Source: Hoops Rumors
