The Phoenix Suns fell to a 120-107 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, losing their second away game in the series. The result leaves them under pressure as the matchup shifts.

After the game, attention quickly turned to officiating. Several decisions became talking points, with frustration building among Suns players during and after the contest.

Devin Booker openly questioned the referees’ performance post-match, and his words added to an ongoing narrative regarding OKC.

Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia publicly supported Booker’s stance, addressing the situation on X following the loss.

He wrote: “I am 100% behind Devin Booker here. Last night was not a good look for our league. Let me be clear, we didn’t lose because of officiating, but that doesn’t make last night any less important.

“If the referees are going to demand respect from the players – as they should – then the players should demand respect from the referees. When a referee is missing calls and clearly disrespecting the players, almost mocking them, they must be held accountable.”

The businessman then added: “Nobody who loves this game enjoyed watching that last night. They want to see the players compete at the highest level. The league needs to be far more aggressive about this kind of thing. All players and all fans deserve it.”

Another of the Suns’ important figures, Dillon Brooks, also criticised the style of officiating, describing the experience of guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as difficult under current interpretations.

Brooks argued that modern calls differ significantly from previous eras, pointing to what he sees as increased influence from contact and free throws.

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