Devin Booker stepped to the line for some crucial free throws late in Tuesday night’s bizarre game between the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors.
We say bizarre because the game was played in an empty gym as Canada deals with a surge of COVID-19.
That meant it was only the teams and some in-arena workers in attendance.
This included the Raptors mascot, who caused quite the stir at the end of the game.
Booker was at the line and just couldn’t handle the heat from the local dinosaur.
Devin Booker upset that the Raptors mascot, the only fan in the building, is behind the hoop distracting him with the game on the line. Refs send him to timeout in the corner. pic.twitter.com/F9zLGPPD5D
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 12, 2022
The Suns held a one-point lead as Booker lined up for some important free throws.
Meanwhile, the mascot did their normal job of trying to distract the shooter.
But in an empty gym, the result was some pure comedy.
Booker complained and got his wish as the Raptors mascot was sent to the corner.
been a long time since ive laughed this hard. *this* is what Booker was mad at. look at that verticality!!! pic.twitter.com/IodruVIsbZ
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 12, 2022
Social media blew up Tuesday night with jokes about the situation and how Booker may need to work on his focus if a mascot can distract him this much.
Playing In Front Of No Fans And A Mascot
There is a point to be made that the rules are a bit different when playing in front of no fans.
The mascot jumping up and down alongside screaming fans is normal.
But doing so as the only one in attendance?
The referees ultimately sent the dinosaur away to remedy the situation and allow everyone to finish the game and go home.
Yet fans are not going to forget this when it comes to Booker.
Devin Booker and The Raptor are cool now 🤝 😂 pic.twitter.com/2XfjdNENTr
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2022
Fans all around the NBA may start jumping up and down when he shoots free throws to see if he can focus in and do his job.
Referees can’t send everyone away when a game is played under normal circumstances.
Only dinosaur mascots seem to fall under that category.
NEXT: How The Suns Became A Perennial Contender