Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing referee James Williams after a playoff loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Booker called the officiating 'terrible' in the 120-107 Game 2 defeat, which gave the Thunder a 2-0 series lead. He questioned the integrity of the sport amid questionable calls, including a technical foul he received.
The NBA announced the fine on Thursday following Booker's postgame comments after Wednesday's first-round playoff game. Booker, a five-time All-Star with 11 NBA seasons, scored 22 points but drew ire for singling out Williams. 'In my 11 years, I haven't called a ref out by name, but James [Williams] was terrible tonight through and through,' Booker said. 'It's bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport.'
