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The Phoenix Suns have joined a growing list of teams voicing frustration with officiating following a playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a 120-107 defeat in Game 2, which gave the defending champions a 2-0 series lead, Suns star Devin Booker openly criticized the referees, singling out James Williams for his performance.
Booker said it was the first time in his 11-year career that he had publicly called out an official by name, describing the officiating as harmful to the integrity of the sport. He added that the situation felt disrespectful and suggested that if accountability is not enforced, the game risks being viewed as entertainment rather than fair competition. His frustration was heightened by a technical foul he received late in the third quarter, which he said was never properly explained.
Forward Dillon Brooks also voiced concerns, focusing on calls involving Oklahoma City's MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 37 points and went perfect from the free throw line, converting all nine of his attempts. Brooks argued that playoff basketball should allow for more physical play and criticized what he saw as excessive fouls being called in favor of offensive players.
Brooks, who scored 30 points before fouling out late in the game, said he needed to adjust but maintained that the flow of playoff basketball should not be dominated by stoppages and free throws. He pointed to earlier eras of the league, referencing players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, when postseason games were typically more physical and less interrupted.
Gilgeous-Alexander dismissed the criticism, saying he was focused only on helping his team win. He acknowledged Brooks' competitive nature, noting that his energy adds intensity to the game. The two players exchanged words during the contest, including a moment in the second quarter when Gilgeous-Alexander responded to earlier trash talk by scoring and celebrating directly at Brooks.
Tensions also extended to other players, with Brooks involved in a brief altercation with Luguentz Dort that resulted in double technical fouls. Despite the exchanges, Dort described Brooks as a fierce competitor whose style demands respect.
Booker acknowledged that his public comments could result in a fine but said speaking out was necessary, insisting that his frustrations were clear for anyone watching the game.
