Devin Booker and Luka Dončić said their clash late in Sunday’s game is no big deal, but the incident left fans buzzing.
With 3.5 seconds remaining and the Phoenix Suns leading the Dallas Mavericks 128-126, Booker and Dončić went face to face on the court.
Dončić was smiling, Booker was not, but the two players were clearly not happy about something. Players from both sides and referees separated the two and the game continued, with both players issued technical fouls.
No love lost between Devin Booker and Luka Dončić 🌶️
🎥 @espnpic.twitter.com/Di7nGFpjjl
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 5, 2023
The Suns went on to win, 130-126.
After the game, both Booker and Dončić downplayed their clash. Dončić said Booker had words with him after a stoppage in play, and he took offense. He reportedly told Booker to “Shut the **** up!”
“Next time don’t wait ’til three seconds left to talk,” Dončić said (via Landon Thomas).
Booker said he was trying to talk to the referee and Dončić thought he was talking to him.
“You guys say you don’t want everybody to be friendly friendly,” Booker said (via Duane Rankin). “There you go. We got some smoke.”
NBA fans seemed to enjoy seeing the two stars tangle and show their emotions.
Devin Booker and Luka Doncic genuinely dislike each other lol
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) March 5, 2023
I love how much Devin Booker and Luka Doncic do not like each other. Gimme a real NBA rivalry
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 5, 2023
The son realized he messed up trying to talk trash to his father,
— ₇₇ ⁱˢ ₜʰₑ 🐐 (@your_awannabe) March 5, 2023
Luka told Booker Chirp at me, I’ll chip back. I ain’t scared –
— Jeannine (@JeannineS5) March 5, 2023
Luka would hem booker up like a pair of slacks
— Steve Shields (@SteveSh66200549) March 5, 2023
All Luka does is shot free throws tell Luka to make the finals before he talks to booker.
— Ralphlaurenjosh (@Ralphjosh2_0) March 5, 2023
