Devin Booker reacts to his scuffle with Klay Thompson / News - Basketnews.com

Devin Booker said that he talked a little trash with Klay Thompson, but it's only part of the game, and he respects the Golden State Warriors star.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker admitted that there was trash talking involved with Klay Thompson, but the respect for the Golden State Warriors guard remains.

Booker and Thompson got into a verbal altercation with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter.At first, the referees gave a double technical for both players.

However, Thompson didn't cool off and moments later was given a second technical foul, resulting in his first-ever career ejection.

"I love Klay Thompson," Booker told TNT after the game. "I have [loved] him since the beginning. From the Draft. I said I want to be Klay Thompson. That doesn't excuse us from competing against each other."

"We talked a little mess with each other. I'm fine with this. I'm big fan of his and his competitive nature. That's that," added Booker.

In a 134-105 win, Booker accumulated34 points (7/11 2PT, 3/8 3PT, 11/14 FT), 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 3 turnovers.

Thompson finished the game with 2 points (1/3 2PT, 0/5 3PT), 2 assists, and 1 block in 19 minutes of playing time.

He shot 0 for 4, including 0 for 3 from the 3-point range, with Booker as his primary defender, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

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