Things got out of hand between two NBA stars on Sunday as Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker came face to face at the end of the 130-126 Suns victory.
With six seconds left in the game, the Suns led 128-126 with the Mavericks in possession. Naturally, for a shot of this magnitude to tie the game, it was in the hands of Doncic.
But he wasn’t able to see it through the hoop when his 4-foot layup came out and Kevin Durant picked up the rebound to force a foul for free throws to freeze it.
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Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball as Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns defends in the first half of the game at the American Airlines Center on March 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
When Durant came down and Doncic fouled him, the latter couldn’t believe the shot didn’t go in. Doncic also overheard something Booker said, which led to him quickly getting in his face before he had to be separated.
After review by the referee, Doncic and Booker were hit with technical fouls that compensated. Durant ended up hitting both free throws to win the game for Phoenix.
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When it came time for post-game interviews, both Doncic and Booker spoke out about the situation, as reporters were curious about what was being said. Doncic noted that Booker spoke to him before that shot took place, but said he could not reveal the details or he could fine himself or Booker.
However, he threw a light punch at the Suns’ star.
“It’s a competitive game. It’s all good. Next time, don’t wait until there are three seconds left to talk,” said Doncic.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the first half of the game at American Airlines Center a on March 5, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
According to ESPN, Doncic was heard to say “Shut the fk up” to Booker after the missed layup. Apparently, Booker taunted Doncic after the potential tie-in.
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Booker, on the other hand, said he was talking to the umpire.
“Not here to chat,” he began when asked what was being said. “We have some smoke. It’s only two competitors trying. Everyone talks about how friendly the NBA is now and don’t like that. I have no problem with Luka on or off the field. But when we compete, we are on competing.”
Video also showed Kyrie Irving, who was traded to the Mavericks from the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the NBA trade deadline, also going back and forth with Booker.
Both teams are now ready for the playoffs, the Suns in the fourth seed while Dallas is in the seventh seed. So this matchup could be one seen on the road when it matters most.
Durant, who was traded by the Nets to the Suns last month, was the game’s leading scorer, trailing 37 points with seven rebounds and three assists in his 40 minutes of work. Booker nearly tied him with 36 of his own and also got a double-double with 10 assists.
Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half at the American Airlines Center on December 5, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
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As for Doncic, he led the way for Dallas with 34 points, nine boards and four assists, while Irving had 30 with seven assists and four rebounds.
