Suns’ Devin Booker ejected from game against Timberwolves

Jan 22, 2019, 8:46 PM | Updated: 10:22 pm

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors forward Norman Powell (24) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

(Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

BY KELLAN OLSON

Suns reporter, ArizonaSports.com editor

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker was ejected from Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Booker was involved in a scuffle with Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng. The two met face-to-face after a whistle by the referee, with Booker advancing to meet Dieng. Booker would then throw his open left hand forward to push Dieng back.

Both players were held back, and after a lengthy review, both of them were ejected.

Which one is worse, Booker getting ejected or Gorgui Deng…😠 pic.twitter.com/mW5Npyl012

— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) January 23, 2019

Booker had picked up a technical earlier in the game from the bench, but both players were ejected because of the kerfuffle.

Booker was responding to an elbow he caught in the face from Dieng on the possession before play had been paused.

This is how it all started between Devin Booker and Gorgui Dieng.

Gorgui literally elbowed Booker in his face and proceeded to talk trash behind his back. 🍿👀#Suns #TimberWolves #AllEyesNorth⁠ ⁠ #TimeToRise⁠ ⁠ #NBA⁠ ⁠ pic.twitter.com/TsNYaDJg68

— deх (вall dnт lιe)🎙 (@balldntlie) January 23, 2019

After both had been ejected from the game, Dieng motioned across to the other side of the court for Booker to meet him in the tunnel.

Booker was then seen attempting to spring away from security, which was attempting to hold him back and prevent him from doing so.

Devin Booker and Gorgui Dieng ejected for altercation, run to meet each other in tunnel. Developing. pic.twitter.com/bA0ROMHvgY

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 23, 2019

The two never met in the tunnel despite Booker’s efforts, per 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.

So word I’m getting is that after the ejections Dieng fought off two security guards and got within about 15 yards of the Suns locker room before security was able to restrain him. Booker was not in the locker room or anywhere near as he was held up by security outside the tunnel

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 23, 2019

In the game, Booker finished 6-of-11 from the field with 14 points and four assists.

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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaves the game after being ejected during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) leaves the game after being ejected during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) drives against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91.(AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) shoots between Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taj Gibson during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) shoots against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91.(AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) takes the ball away from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives as Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie (20) takes the ball away from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jerryd Bayless, left, and Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren chase down a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie (20) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie scores against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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