The Phoenix Suns entered the 2025 season determined to turn things around. After a focused offseason that was filled with intense workouts and revamped strategies, the team hoped for a strong campaign. So far, their run has been moderate.
With a 15–13 record, the Suns have had moments of brilliance but also occasional lapses. Their latest setback came on Saturday night, December 20, when they fell to the Golden State Warriors, and it was a game that turned controversial after Dillon Brooks’ heated exchange with the officials.
Dillon Brooks Got Into an Altercation With a Referee
Early in the first quarter of Saturday night’s matchup, tensions rose quickly. With a little over eight minutes remaining, Jimmy Butler III drove hard to the basket and finished with a two-point score. After the ball dropped through the net, Butler grabbed it, and then he threw it directly into the chest of Suns forward Brooks.
Despite the obvious contact, the referees surprisingly chose not to make a call on the play. The no-call immediately frustrated Brooks. In the heat of the moment, Brooks turned toward one of the referees and shouted an NSFW message.
“He threw the ball at my chest… how is that not a tech? Are y’all fu*king crazy?” said Brooks to the referee.
Phoenix actually received strong performances from its key players. Devin Booker led the Suns with an impressive 38-point outing, and Brooks backed him up with 22 points of his own. For Golden State, Stephen Curry once again showed his star power by scoring 28 points, while Butler added 25 points.
While no foul was called on Butler for his early action against Brooks, the officials did not hesitate later in the game when it came to Draymond Green.
In the first half, Green was ejected after picking up two technical fouls in the second quarter. With over 10 minutes remaining, Green blocked Suns guard Collin Gillespie on a drive and then exchanged words with him as both players ran back down the court.
Moments later, after Curry knocked down a quick three-pointer and drew a foul with 10:39 left in the half, Green was assessed a technical by a crew led by Pat Fraher. The call came after Green appeared to shove Gillespie with his forearm from behind while running. Green continued arguing with the officials, which led to a second technical foul and an automatic ejection. His night ended early, and he was able to score just four points.
If we look at the game, the Suns actually had a strong start. They jumped out to a 12-point lead after the first quarter and went into halftime with a three-point lead; however, things unraveled in the second half.
Phoenix struggled on the defense. The Warriors, however, scored 55 second-half points. The Suns could not keep up with the surge and eventually lost the game. They will now look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on December 23.
