Suns-Mavs Gets Testy as Devin Booker, Grant Williams Given Techs

PHOENIX -- It wouldn't be a matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks if the two sides didn't get into a bit of extra-curricular activity.

With 1:25 left in the third quarter, the whistle blew before Devin Booker and Grant Williams got into a bit of a physical spat where Williams had pulled Booker's jersey nearly over his shoulders.

Grant Williams playing big brother with Devin Booker 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/0i9dSdIEVQ
— Mavs Fans For Life (@MavsFansForLife) December 26, 2023

Grant Williams and Devin Booker got locked up, looked like Williams wouldn't let Book go. They had to be separated. Kevin Durant starts clapping at the booing fans and yells "Wake the fuck up!"
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) December 26, 2023

Both were assessed technical fouls before Booker hit the free throw line.

Booker had the foul on Williams that kept Williams down on the floor for a bit.

Next time down, Williams tries to run through Booker on a screen. Booker protests to his face. Kerfuffle ensues.

Ruling is a double technical foul + the initial foul on Williams.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) December 26, 2023

The Suns entered tonight with a 14-14 record desperately needing a win to help push the ship in the right direction after losing their last eight-of-eleven.

Dallas, on the other hand, got a much needed win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday which stopped a three-game losing streak.

Before the game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd touched on Booker's transition to point guard:

“Yeah, I think it just causes a problem sooner. When he is off the ball, he has to get on the ball. Now that he is running the show it just puts your defense at alert right off the bat. He is doing a great job at finding other guys, knowing that he is going to get double teamed too. Again, he is one of the best in the league at doing it, and now he is being asked to run the show and I think he is doing a great job with that.”

Booker finished the quarter with 14 points and eight assists. The Suns currently lead Dallas 92-91 to begin the final frame of play.