Klay Thompson humorously regrets his four-finger taunt aimed at Suns’ Booker
Klay Thompson gained viral attention last season for repeatedly holding up four fingers to signify his four championship rings.
The incident first occurred during the fourth game of the 2022-23 NBA season against the Phoenix Suns. Thompson exchanged words with Suns star guard Devin Booker, displayed four fingers to showcase his championships, and quickly earned two technical fouls, leading to an ejection from the game.
Reflecting on the moment in an interview on the “Podcast P” show with Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George, Thompson admitted some regret: “Yeah, I was caught up in my emotions,” Thompson told George. “And Booker was really giving it to me that day. I wasn’t performing where I needed to be. Some things just don’t age well, and that didn’t age well for me. I don’t need to flaunt four rings, bro. Everyone knows that. It’s on Wikipedia.”
Thompson had only scored two points on 1-of-8 shooting (0 for 5 from three-point range) in 19 minutes before his ejection that night. Meanwhile, Booker led with a game-high 34 points in the Suns’ 134-105 victory at Footprint Center.
“My game wasn’t up to par, and we all have moments of insecurity,” Thompson acknowledged. “We all have weak moments. I’m not particularly proud of that one.
“When I see Devin Booker, I should be celebrating him. The effort he’s put in — he endured a tough stretch in Phoenix where everyone was being traded, and he had a new coach every year. Now he’s the franchise player because he just kept grinding. I respect guys who have that kind of work ethic.”
Booker also expressed his admiration for Thompson that October evening, shortly after their heated exchange on the court.
“We’re just two competitors. I love Klay Thompson,” Booker remarked [via ESPN]. “I have for a long time. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be competitive and talk to each other. I’ve always admired his game, how he plays on both ends of the court.
“And obviously, the rings speak for themselves.”
Indeed they do. And it seems Thompson came to that realization himself during the offseason.