For the second time in a week, Houston Rockets beginner Cam Whitmore and veteran Phoenix Suns Super star Devin Booker had a heated exchange on the field during Thursday’s match.
In the final example, which occurred in the fourth quarter, both players received a technical foul. Neither was ejected.
Booker spoke to the media after the game, as he was the game’s leading scorer (35 points), and addressed what appeared to be a tense situation. Whitmore, who plays off the bench for Houston, typically doesn’t speak after the game with reporters, given his smaller role.
Here’s how Booker characterized the incidents with Whitmore, relayed by Cody Taylor by Rookie Wire:
It started last match [on Feb. 23] in Houston). Just competition, more physical. I like this. I have been in these situations many times before. I was the same, a young player doing the same thing.
I remember doing it to Jimmy Butler my freshman year, he was talking about me after the game. You never want to back down and I respect going after a top player. You just have to be ready for it.
Read on for videos and interviews related to the growing rivalry.
All eyes will be on Booker and Whitmore in Saturday’s rematch, which is the fourth and final meeting between the Rockets and Suns of the 2023-24 NBA season. The alert is given at 8:00 p.m. at the center.
Reaction from Devin Booker-Cam Whitmore
“I was the same young player doing the same thing. I was doing it to Jimmy Butler my freshman year.”
Devin Booker on #Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore plays “extra physical” with him.
He said it started the last time they met in Houston. #Suns pic.twitter.com/tmNbDugFMN
-Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 1, 2024
Jusuf Nurkic on Cam Whitmore-Devin Booker fight: “The kid did some shit in Houston too, if you remember. So they want to play this absurd basketball.
Nurk blocked Whitmore twice on the next possession.
“I will always support my teammates.” pic.twitter.com/XxHcVJNbFF
– Gérald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 1, 2024
LEAKED Audio of Cam Whitmore Trash talking about Devin Booker????:
Whitmore: “What the hell is wrong with you, nigga?”
Booker: “I didn’t do anything”
Whitmore: “I’ll beat you… don’t do that shit” pic.twitter.com/QL23fi5Ejn
– LegendZ (@legendz_nba) March 2, 2024
Devin Booker and Cam Whitmore face off after a little elbow from Booker leads to words and a punch from Whitmore. It seemed like everyone stayed on the bench, although Amen Thompson had to work hard to keep Tari Eason there.
– Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 1, 2024
Devin Booker on the skirmish with Cam Whitmore:
“I think it’s always fun to turn up the volume a little bit. That’s what sport is, I feel like we’re moving away from it. Nothing personal, just competition. pic.twitter.com/qtwbvEQJE2
– CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) March 1, 2024
[lawrence-related id=121323,121358]
