Beefs are an integral part of the NBA! Though no one wants them, the high level of competition possessed in the sport of basketball often compels players to develop competitive personalities that often clash with others who possess a similar or greater intensity. From Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, these rivalries have run through the history of time. For over three years now, renowned small forward Paul George has held a sole beef against Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.

Fortunately, if one would ask Paul George, the intensity of the rivalry wouldn’t be as bad as some people would make it. He expressed the same in a live audience interview that he conducted with 36-year-old rapper Lil Dicky. During the conversation, the artist proceeded to stoke the fire by asking Paul George if he could watch a game today without going into critical thinking, or if he was annoyed when someone like Devin Booker scores 70 points. This caused the player to outright state “You just had to say Devin” in a joking manner. The newest addition to the 76ers admitted that he does watch the games of his competitors to gain knowledge of how to best keep up with them Doing so allows him to grow as a player. For someone like Devin Booker, however, he doesn’t need to watch a game to go into critical thinking. The competition just comes out by itself.

“I don’t necessarily look at Book as the competitive, you know, it’s just enough history there to have that competitive drive going, period,” said the 34-year-old player.

Tensions between Devin Booker and Paul George first originated back in 2021, during a matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers. As Cam Payne ended up blocking George’s floater attempt, the latter didn’t appreciate the defensive move too much. This caused Devin Booker to come to his teammate’s defense and call out his rival for being too soft. The situation escalated so drastically that both players had to be separated from their respective teammates.

From that point onwards, a rivalry was born. From sparring with each other over fouls on the court to attacking each other verbally via social media, the duo kept NBA fans entertained by giving the competitive spark alive. During the 2023-24 season, while the then Clippers star averaged 22.6 points during the regular games, the same stat went up to 27 points in the three matchups against the Phoenix Suns. Therefore, while it may not be healthy to keep a feeling of enmity with anyone, Paul George will probably let go of his once it stops being useful.

Devin Booker does not believe that his beef with Paul George goes beyond the court: “It’s just hoops, man. It’s competitive”

More than often, it has been difficult for many to separate the personal from the professional. Fortunately, that issue is not something that both Devin Booker and Paul George. No matter the feelings they have held towards each other, it has never been taken on a personal level. Furthermore, when questioned about the same, they try to diminish its impact as much as possible.

Back in Jan 2024, exactly three years after the feud between them first escalated, Booker was asked about the same during a pre-game workout session. The player did not choose to go about it too wordy and simply stated “It’s just competitive. It’s just never been resolved”. When questioned if there will be a chance for it to be resolved in the future, the Suns star continued “I honestly don’t care. It’s just hoops man, it’s competitive. It’s nothing that lives off the floor.”

What are your thoughts on this beef that has no chance of ending anytime soon? Let us know in the comments down below.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.