Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker was fined $35,000 by the NBA on Thursday for publicly labeling the refree 'terrible.' However, he did earn a minor victory as the league rescinded a technical foul from late in the third quarter, admitting it had been 'improperly assessed.'
The fine follows the Suns' 120-107 Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. With Phoenix now trailing the defending champions 2-0 in the first-round series, Booker utilized his post-game press conference to voice his frustrations with the referees.
'It's definitely something that has to be looked at,' Booker said postgame. 'I heard (Oklahoma City's Alex) Caruso tell them to call the tech, and he ended up doing it. In my 11 years, I haven't called a ref out by name, but James (Williams) was terrible tonight.'
He added, 'Whatever I get fined for, everybody can pull the clips and see where the frustration comes from.'
In their official statement, NBA admitted, 'Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has been fined $35,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Following an investigation including multiple interviews and video review, the league found no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials.'
'Booker made his comments to the press following the Suns' 120-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on April 22 at Paycom Center.
The NBA also determined that Booker's technical foul at 2:05 in the third quarter was improperly assessed and it has therefore been rescinded.'
NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones issued the fine. The accompanying press release also addressed Booker's allegations, saying, 'Following an investigation including multiple interviews and video review, the league found no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials.'
However, the league went on to state that Booker's technical foul was overturned.
Booker finished with 22 points and seven rebounds on Wednesday after he had 23 points and six boards in Game 1 on Sunday. In 64 regular-season starts this campaign, he averaged 26.1 points, 6.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds.
In 11 NBA seasons, all with the Suns, Booker has been an All-Star five times. He has career averages of 24.6 points, 5.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 737 games (712 starts).