By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the Phoenix Suns’ Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, star guard Devin Booker did not hold back his frustration regarding the officiating, specifically targeting referee James Williams. The Suns now find themselves in a 2-0 hole against the defending champions as the best-of-seven series of the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, heads back to Phoenix.
When asked if he had received an explanation for a critical technical foul assessed during Wednesday’s matchup, Booker made it clear that the communication was nonexistent. “I still haven’t got one,” he initially confirmed. “It’s definitely something that has to be looked into. I heard [Alex] Caruso telling him to call the tech, and he ended up doing it.”
The 29-year-old former Kentucky standout, usually reserved regarding officiating, took the rare step of naming the official responsible for his ire. “In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James was terrible tonight. Through and through, it’s bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as a WWE if they’re not held responsible,” he mentioned.
Booker, a five-time All-Star now in his second decade in the league, suggested that the lack of professional courtesy felt like a slight against his veteran status. “It’s hard. 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. To get to this point and get treated like that, for me to be even saying something out loud, it’s bad,” he added.
The NBA is expected to review the comments, which often result in significant fines for players publicly criticizing officials, but Booker appeared at peace with that outcome, inviting fans and league officials to review the game film themselves. “Whatever I get fined for, everybody can pull the clip and see where the frustration comes from,” he furthered.
The Suns will look to rebound and protect their home court when they resume action against the Thunder for Game 3 at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Saturday.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-0 (126-113, 115-105)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (113-102, 106-107)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions