Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker left Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday with more than just a win.
The Suns dismantled the Spurs 131-106 to keep pace in a crowded Western Conference. Booker led the way for the Suns with 32 points on 14/24 shooting from the floor.
San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was far from a sore loser, though. In fact, he even left the Suns All-Star a present before the teams parted ways.
Gregg Popovich Gifts Devin Booker A Bottle Of Wine After Spurs-Suns Matchup
Popovich on Saturday showed that he was a gracious host to Booker by gifting the opposing guard a good bottle of wine. The pair had formed a bond as Team USA player and coach during the Tokyo Olympics, where the Americans finished with the gold medal.
Booker told reporters about the gift from his one-time Team USA coach after the Suns’ win.
“We talked after the game. He left me a nice bottle of wine,” said Booker. “I know we drank one together after we won gold together. We have some incredible memories even though it was a short amount of time in Japan. I always had a high respect for him, but our relationship took off out there.”
"We talked after the game. He left me a nice bottle of wine. I know we drank one together after we won gold. We have some incredible memories even though it was a short amount of time in Japan."
Devin Booker on Gregg Popovich.
Coached him to Olympic gold in Tokyo. #Suns #Spurs pic.twitter.com/QvROydTrs2
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 24, 2024
Booker played a vital role on Team USA during their gold medal run during the last Olympics. The Suns frontman played in all six games and averaged 9.3 points, which was sixth on the team.
Popovich is also a known wine connoisseur so it’s no surprise that a nice bottle of wine was his gift of choice.
Devin Booker Appears Ready For Another Stint On Team USA
Popovich will no longer be Team USA basketball’s head coach for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has taken on the mantle of trying to continue the United States’ run of basketball dominance in the quadrennial tournament. Team USA has won gold in four consecutive Olympic Games.
Booker is reportedly expected to be a part of Team USA’s core for the tournament later this year. The Suns All-Star was named to the 41-man pool that the team will be built from. Given Booker’s Olympic experience and stature in the league, he appears to be a lock to make the team once again.
