The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors faced off on Saturday night in an exciting Western Conference battle. It was a back-and-forth with both teams going on big runs at different points. For the Suns, Devin Booker exploded for 38 points. The star guard also added five assists and three steals while going 13 of 27 from the field. Stephen Curry had another excellent game for the Warriors, and the two stars were involved in a controversial play to end the game.
Devin Booker Calls Out Refs for Missing Foul Call
With under 10 seconds to play in the game, the Warriors had a 117-116 lead. Curry checked back into the game and scored a two-pointer off a Brandon Podziemski assist.
However, Booker attempted to foul Curry before the shot, and no foul was called. The Suns easily could have had three more seconds to work with if the foul had been called, but instead got the ball with just over five seconds left, needing a three-pointer to tie.
Booker ended up having to settle for a 40-foot attempt, which was no good, and the Suns fell 119-116.
After the game, Booker said it was a “poor” job by the refs, missing that call.
“It’s poor. Seconds like that matter. We would’ve got the ball back with a little more time, more time to make a play. It was just missed,” the frustrated guard explained.
According to Suns reporter Duane Rankin, Collin Gillespie also thought Curry traveled on that final possession, but that obviously wasn’t called either.
Booker and Gillespie weren’t the only ones unhappy with the officiating in this game. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and fans criticized the officials for ejecting Draymond Green from the game in the second quarter.
With the loss, the Suns fell to 15-13 on the season and are now 1-2 against the Warriors this season.
Booker Shines Despite Disappointing Loss at Golden State
It was a disappointing loss for the Suns, but Booker delivered another classic performance. The star guard shot 48.1% from the field and 83.3% from the free-throw line. He tied his season-high with 38 points, and both of those performances came against the Warriors.
In 2025-26, Booker is averaging 25.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.7% from the field and 30.3% from deep.
The Phoenix Suns opened the season strong but have cooled off in recent weeks. Over their last 10 games, they’ve gone 4–6, reflecting a dip in consistency on both ends of the floor. According to NBA Advanced Stats, the Suns rank 18th in net offensive rating and 13th in net defensive rating.
Looking ahead, Phoenix will face the Los Angeles Lakers next, followed by a two-game set against the New Orleans Pelicans.
