Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker had his frustration boil over during a 118-98 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, as rookie teammate De'Anthony Melton turned the ball over a second consecutive time by stepping out of bounds.
Booker's reaction was swift and immediate.
“Take his a** out,” Booker shouted across the court to Suns coach Igor Kokoskov, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “Put Elie [Okobo] in the game.”
Short-handed without Kelly Oubre Jr. or T.J. Warren and losing Josh Jackson to a short-term injury, the Suns were in need of extra bodies, but despite Booker's reaction to Melton during the game, the rookie and the Suns star were chatting amicably after the game.
“I told him the court don't move,” said a grinning Booker. “P.J. Tucker used to do that all the time (to him). I used to hate it, but it's just part of the game. It's a learning experience. Just knowing the floor and how to run the floor on the wing. He's usually a point guard and probably never been in the corner that much. It's a tough learn, but he'll pick up on it.”
Booker has a desire to lead and teach his young teammates, but at that time, the frustration was very visible. Kokoskov noted Booker's frustration was coming from a good place.
“He's a competitor,” Kokoskov said. “He cares about the team. He cares about winning. He cares about fans that come here to support the team and cheer for this group and cheer for our Phoenix Suns. That's where he's coming from. He's a competitor. We know that. He's trying to win. Maintain your composure and be positive, and he is. He is.”
With only nine games left in the season, the Suns are 17-56, four wins away from last year's horrid win total that saw them land the No. 1 pick in the draft.
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