For the second time in a week, Houston Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore and veteran Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker had a heated on-court exchange during Thursday’s game.
In the latest example, which occurred during the fourth quarter, both players were given a technical foul. Neither was ejected.
Booker spoke to media members postgame, since he was the game’s high scorer (35 points), and addressed what looked to be a heated situation. Whitmore, who plays off the bench for Houston, typically does not speak postgame with reporters, given his smaller role.
Here’s how Booker characterized the incidents with Whitmore, as relayed by Cody Taylor of Rookie Wire:
It started last game [on Feb. 23] in Houston). Just competing, extra physical. I like it. I’ve been in these situations plenty of times before. I was that same, young player doing that same thing.
I remember doing it to Jimmy Butler my rookie year, him going in the postgame talking about me. You never want to back down and I respect going at a top player. You just gotta be ready for it.
Read on for videos and interviews related to the growing rivalry.
All eyes will be on Booker and Whitmore during Saturday’s rematch, which is the fourth and final meeting between the Rockets and Suns in the 2023-24 NBA season. Tipoff is at 8:00 p.m. Central.
Devin Booker-Cam Whitmore reaction
Things got chippy between Devin Booker and Cam Whitmore 👀 pic.twitter.com/l3bQW6Akde
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 1, 2024
"I was that same young player doing the same thing. I was doing it to Jimmy Butler my rookie year."
Devin Booker on #Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore playing "extra physical" with him.
Said it started last time they met in Houston. #Suns pic.twitter.com/tmNbDugFMN
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 1, 2024
It’s been bubbling for a few possessions now, but Cam Whitmore isn’t backing down from Devin Booker. pic.twitter.com/Rovc6WneET
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) February 24, 2024
Jusuf Nurkic on Cam Whitmore’s scuffle with Devin Booker: “The kid did some bullshit in Houston too, if you remember. So they want to play that nonsense basketball.”
Nurk blocked Whitmore twice on the next possession.
“I will always have the back of my teammates.” pic.twitter.com/XxHcVJNbFF
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 1, 2024
LEAKED Audio Of Cam Whitmore Trash Talking Devin Booker👀:
Whitmore: “The f*ck is wrong with you, n****?”
Booker: “I didn’t do nothing”
Whitmore: “I’ll beat the f*ck out you… don’t do that sh*t” pic.twitter.com/QL23fi5Ejn
— LegendZ (@legendz_nba) March 2, 2024
Devin Booker and Cam Whitmore square off after a bit of an elbow from Booker led to words and a jab from Whitmore. Looked like everyone stayed on the bench, though 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 it up a little bit. That’s what this sports about, I feel like we’re getting away from it. Nothing personal, just competition.” pic.twitter.com/qtwbvEQJE2
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) March 1, 2024
