Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns showed no disrespect to the Memphis Grizzlies by attempting a seemingly unneeded late shot.

Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns extended their record to 10-6 on the 2023-24 season with a 110-89 away victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday afternoon. Despite the fact that Kevin Durant was forced to miss this game, Booker was able to bear the weight offensively, allowing Phoenix to cruise against a Grizzlies defense that was continuously left seeking for solutions for the most of the game.

A little controversy arose at the conclusion of the game when Booker took a shot with time running down and the Suns solidly in control, a position in which most players generally run out the shot clock as a gesture of respect for their opponent. Instead, Booker hit the field goal for his 40th point of the game, drawing a few boos from Grizzlies supporters.

However, after the game, Booker made it a point to address the matter and explain why he meant no disrespect to the Grizzlies.

“No disrespect to the Grizzlies,” said Booker, per Duane Rankin of AZCentral. “I wouldn’t take that shot if it wasn’t the In-Season Tournament, but we needed it.”

Indeed, point differential does play a factor in the NBA’s first in-season tournament, of which Friday’s Suns against Grizzlies game was a part, so it hasn’t been unusual to see teams score on last possessions that they would normally run out the clock on.

The Suns have done a remarkable job of handling the string of ailments they’ve faced with so far this season.