Between these two superstars, things have become worse in
Tonight’s game between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks is expected to reignite the intense rivalry between Devin Booker and Luka Dončić.
How will things go this evening between these two superstars? In the past, they have gotten into several heated arguments, which has caused things to escalate.
Making Beer
Phoenix and Dallas squared off in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2022 playoffs, with the Mavericks emerging victorious in a seven-game series, 4-3.
The competitive fire between Booker and Dončić was stoked during this clash as they sparred on the floor and trash talked each other.
After the Suns won Game 5 110-80, they were up 3-2 in the series. Dončić expressed his dissatisfaction with the Suns. (Image courtesy of ABC15 Sports)
Dončić said, “Everyone acting tough when they’re up,” as the Mavericks left the floor and went down the tunnel at Footprint Center.
Then, on March 5, 2023, during the next season, the two collided once more with only a few seconds remaining in the Suns’ 130-126 victory.
Dončić fouled Kevin Durant late in the fourth quarter, with the team leading 128-126.
As Dončić was still shocked by the official’s call, Booker began speaking with him before they really faced one other. (Video courtesy of ESPN)
Both clubs have split the season series thus far this year, 1-1, until tonight.
Dončić led the Mavericks with 50 points and Booker with 20, as they won 128-114 in Phoenix on Christmas Day.
The Suns then turned the tide by defeating 132-109 on January 24 when they were away from home. The star of Phoenix, Booker, outscored Dončić 34 points in the back-and-forth game, but Booker finished with 46 points.
A Suns supporter who made fun of Dončić during the most recent game was also expelled. Booker responded by requesting the fan’s details after the game.
Going On?
Earlier this month, Dončić discussed the status of his relationship with Booker with co-host J.J. Redick during an appearance on The Old Man & The Three podcast.
It is good, Dončić remarked. “We didn’t fight when we played last time.” It was not between Booker and me. It’s not us, as I once stated.
As colleagues on the Western Conference squad, Booker and Dončić were friendly and enjoyed all that the 2024 NBA All-Star festivities had to offer.
Basketball fans were further shocked to see that Booker and Dončić had following each other on Instagram recently, leading some to speculate that they could have reconciled.
It would be fascinating to see if there is any animosity between Booker and Dončić in their last regular season match tonight.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. MST, the Suns (33-22) and Mavericks (32-23) will tip off in Dallas.