Devin Booker Rips Officiating After Loss to the Thunder
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
Devin Booker didn’t mince his words after the Phoenix Suns fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. The All-Star guard sharply criticized NBA officiating, singling out referee James Williams’ performance in Game 2 of the playoffs.
Unprecedented Criticism Directed at James Williams
« It’s definitely something that has to be looked into. I heard Alex Caruso tell them to give me a technical, and he ended up doing it. In 11 years, I’ve never called out a referee by name, but James [Williams] was terrible tonight, through and through, » Booker said at his post-game press conference.
The Suns star went even further in his criticism: « It’s bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start seeing this like the WWE if they’re not held accountable. »
One of the officiating decisions that particularly frustrated Booker came in the third quarter. As he tried to save a ball from going out of bounds, he was pushed by Jaylin Williams and the referee initially called a foul in favor of Phoenix. But after a discussion between officials, the foul was reversed and called on Booker instead, leaving Suns players — and even ESPN commentators Dave Pasch and Doris Burke — bewildered.
Devin Booker receives a technical foul trying to save the ball from going out of bounds. 😳🤔
(h/t @ridiculouscage)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 23, 2026
A Rough Night for the Suns
Despite the officiating controversy, Booker finished the game with 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. However, the guard also committed 6 of his team’s 22 turnovers, adding to Phoenix‘s offensive struggles.
Head coach Jordan Ott also expressed his frustration, stating at his press conference that he received no explanation for the technical foul called on his star player.
The Suns, now trailing 2-0 in this first-round playoff series, will need to respond on Saturday in Game 3 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Tip-off is set for Saturday in what is a must-win game for Arizona’s playoff hopes.
Devin Booker:
« It’s definitely something that has to be looked into…In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James was terrible tonight, through and through… »
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24) pic.twitter.com/jCOETvMuFq
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 23, 2026
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