After Game 2, Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks had some strong comments for Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Brooks was unhappy with the officiating on Wednesday night, objecting to the fouls that helped the 2025 NBA MVP.
[Gilgeous-Alexander is] a little frail, and that’s what the officials will call, according to Brooks. I need to be more strategic about it, but this is the playoffs. It’s a man’s game.
Like, I used to watch this when Michael Jordan or someone else was playing, and LeBron [James] was younger. This is physical basketball. I don’t understand why all of the dropping, falling, flopping, flailing, and other shenanigans are permitted during the playoffs. Leave that for the fans during the [regular] season. This is all about which team is better, more together. Don’t settle games on no free throws.
Following the Suns’ Game 2 defeat, officiating controversy erupted.
The Suns club was dissatisfied with the officiating, with Devin Booker openly criticizing the officiating after the defeat. Booker attacked the officiating, focusing on referee James Williams.
In my 11 years, I’ve never called a ref by name, but James [Williams] was terrible tonight from start to finish, Booker stated. It’s terrible for the game and its integrity. If they are not held accountable, people will begin to think of this as a WWE.
The Thunder beat the Suns to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. The series now moves to the Valley of the Sun for Games 3 and 4.
Booker and possibly Brooks are likely to get fined before to Saturday’s Game 3. Tip-off is slated for 12:30 p. m. PT.
