While the NBA has a number of player feuds, a new one between Suns guard Devin Booker and Clippers forward Paul George seems to be emerging. After things got a bit tense between the two this offseason, George discussed the topic with Taylor Rooks of Turner Sports. Ultimately, George told Rooks that a “line was passed” in his relationship with the Phoenix star.
The friction began earlier this offseason when George spoke with the Warriors’ Klay Thompson on Podcast P with Paul George, asking Thompson about his best moment of trash talk and referencing the famous “four rings” gesture he made toward Booker on Oct. 25, 2022. Although Thompson has said he regrets the move and admits Booker was “busting my ass” that game, it appears Booker didn’t appreciate George posing the question.
The two had some exchanges through the offseason, with Booker asking George on Instagram if Thompson gave him the answer he “was looking for.” But George’s comments to Rooks stood out after he says a “line was passed.”
“I don’t know where it took the turn. Things got heated when we played Phoenix. Conversations sparked, and it came from that end. Again this goes down the respect line.” George said of Booker. “Me and Devin [Booker] always been good. He was little bro when he came in the league, and then all of a sudden, temperature changed into where now, it’s a line that was passed—stepped over the line. … It is what it is at this point.”
Paul George speaks on his beef with Devin Booker
— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BasketballOnX) October 9, 2023
“Me and Devin [Booker] always been good. He was Lil bro when he came in the league and then all of a sudden temperature changed into where now, it’s a line that was passed…. It is what it is at this point”
(Via @BR_NBA ) pic.twitter.com/kEXFbtHYv0
The Suns and Clippers match up four times during the upcoming regular season, and those games should be interesting to watch in light of the personal rivalry between George and Booker.
