One of the most controversial moments from Wednesday's slate of games involved Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. The two-time All-Star was ejected in a crucial juncture as the Suns took on the defending champs, the Los Angeles Lakers, in what many viewed to be a rather contentious call.
Booker received two technical fouls for complaining to the referees, and it resulted in an early bath for the 24-year-old. After the game, though, Booker explained why he does not agree with how the officials handled the situation:
Book on what happened: "I've heard worse things and seen worse things said in less important games." Said he's over it and focused on winning games
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 3, 2021
Booker once again pointed out that this happened during a key stretch in what was a marquee matchup against the mighty Lakers. In spite of how league officials say that their calls remain consistent regardless of the gravity of the situation at hand, there's no denying that to a certain extent, they are influenced by several external factors. In this respect, Booker argued that he should have been given more leeway:
Devin Booker on his ejection: "I just couldn't believe in such a high-intense game and an important game it would come to that." Echoed the Suns are a team and they got better last night though
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 3, 2021
Be that as it may, the Suns still escaped with a crucial victory against LeBron James and Co. Phoenix may have lost their star, but they still managed to score an important statement win against L.A. In his mind, Booker knew at that moment that his ejection wouldn't lead to a Suns collapse:
"I don't see them falling apart. This isn't one of those situations, this isn't one of those teams. We've got hoopers, man." – Devin Booker on the Suns getting the W after his ejection
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 3, 2021
That turned out to be Phoenix's third consecutive win, and most importantly, they just displaced the Lakers from the second spot in the West. Phoenix now stands at 23-11 and is just three and a half games behind the league-best Utah Jazz.
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