Suns’ Booker calls it ‘competition’ after heated exchange with 76ers’ Embiid at halftime
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PHOENIX — While much of the focus on the Phoenix Suns’ 109-103 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers centered on shooting struggles and foul exchanges, one moment in particular stood out at halftime.
Feb 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) battles for position against Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) and forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half of an NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Just before both teams headed to the locker room, Suns All-Star Devin Booker and 76ers center Joel Embiid engaged in a heated verbal exchange on the court. The confrontation resulted in double technical fouls.
When asked postgame about the incident, Booker said he was calling out Embiid’s tactics, drawing attention to what he viewed as unnecessary theatrics during the matchup.
“I told him he’s too good a player to be flopping like that,” Booker said, according to Arizona Sports. “But we have Olympic experience together, so that’s somebody I have high respect for. It’s competition.”
The technicals occurred as the Suns struggled to contain Embiid, who scored 33 points and drew 13 free-throw attempts in the win. Booker finished with 21 points, returning from a right ankle sprain after missing seven games.
Feb 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) talk to each other during the second half of an NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s inability to slow Embiid was felt throughout the game. His efficiency around the rim and ability to earn trips to the free-throw line forced the Suns to commit additional defensive attention.
While the Suns’ star expressed respect for his opponent and Olympic teammate, the exchange highlighted the intensity that often surfaces between elite competitors. Competition among seasoned veterans is nothing new, but Booker speaking out suggested he saw more than a typical effort to draw a foul.
Feb 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) embrace after an NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Both players came together after the final buzzer. Still, Saturday’s emotional game underscored a Suns team searching for answers as it works to find its footing and return to the win column after losing three out of its last four contests.
Phoenix continues its homestand on Tuesday, Feb. 10, when it hosts the Dallas Mavericks at 7 p.m.
