Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns has been hit with a $35,000 fine by the NBA for publicly criticizing the officiating crew from Game 2, the league announced.
After Wednesday’s loss, the player openly voiced frustration over a technical foul he received, suggesting it came after Alex Caruso urged the referee to make the call.
That technical was later rescinded following the game.
“In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James (Williams) was terrible tonight, through and through,” Booker said. “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.”
Mat Ishbia also supported Booker’s stance afterward, posting that while officiating wasn’t the sole reason for the loss, it still crossed a line.
“If the referees are going to demand respect from the players – as they should – then the players should demand respect from the referees,” Ishbia said. “When a referee is missing calls and clearly disrespecting the players, almost mocking them, they must be held accountable.”
The NBA stated that, after reviewing the situation and conducting follow-up checks, it “found no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials.”
Devin Booker Fined $35K For Criticizing Officials https://t.co/C3eUCz16DR
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 24, 2026
