Nick Lodolo makes his 2026 debut but the Reds lose their eighth in a row
Nick Lodolo returns for Reds but they lose eighth straight game
Despite the Phoenix Suns being eliminated from the playoffs, Devin Booker remains a key figure in the NBA postseason discussions, particularly regarding officiating and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — Even with the Phoenix Suns eliminated from the playoffs, Devin Booker remains part of the NBA postseason conversation — and part of the debate surrounding officiating and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
During the series against the reigning champions, Booker expressed rare frustration over how the games were being called, especially when discussing Thunder guard Alex Caruso influencing a technical foul against him in Game 2. The comments drew mixed reactions from NBA fans, with some agreeing with the All-Star while others dismissed the remarks as frustration from a star player on a losing team.
The Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the playoffs due to their performance in the postseason.
Devin Booker continues to be a significant topic in NBA playoff discussions, especially concerning officiating issues.
Officiating has been a point of debate in relation to the Suns' playoff performance, affecting perceptions of their elimination.
Devin Booker is still actively discussed in the NBA context, despite his team's playoff elimination.
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But as Oklahoma City takes a 2-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers, some of those conversations have resurfaced.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) defends against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the first half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NBA fans online have pointed to similarities between the Suns-Thunder series and the Lakers’ current struggles, including physical defense, free-throw disparities and inconsistent foul calls. The renewed discussion has led many to revisit Booker’s earlier comments, with some now saying the Suns guard “deserves an apology” for being heavily criticized.
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA referee James Williams talks to Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) in the second half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Booker’s frustration became a flashpoint during Phoenix’s elimination, but now, with the Lakers facing the same problems — that led to a meeting with officials on the court at the end of Game 2 — public sentiment has shifted. Phoenix being at the center of another series, especially one the club has no play in, reflects the level of frustration the overall fanbase is feeling with officials and the league — not just feelings in the Valley.
Clips comparing possessions from the Phoenix-Oklahoma City series showcased questionable calls or “no calls” that have fueled arguments that the Suns may have identified issues others are only now beginning to acknowledge.
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) and center Chet Holmgren (7) in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Still, the discussion surrounding officiating has become impossible to ignore. Booker’s comments, once pushed aside by fans, are now being viewed in a different light.