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4h ago

Booker Blasts Referee James Williams After Suns Fall Behind 2-0 to Thunder

Booker’s rare on-record rebuke heightens scrutiny of the officials heading into Game 3 in Phoenix.

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Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after receiving a technical after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Thunder beat the Suns 120-107 on Wednesday in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the first round.
  • A third-quarter technical on Devin Booker followed a save attempt that hit Jaylin Williams as Alex Caruso signaled for a tech to the crew.
  • After the game, Booker named referee James Williams and called the officiating “terrible” and “bad for the integrity of the sport.”
  • Interim coach Jordan Ott said the crew gave no explanation for the technical, and Dillon Brooks urged that referees be made available to answer questions after games.
  • Game 3 is Saturday in Phoenix after two games with slightly more free throws for OKC, and several outlets expect the NBA to review Booker’s comments for possible discipline.