Why Klay has respect for Booker despite chirping Suns star

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Klay Thompson came off an ejection, the first in his NBA career, against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday after jawing with Devin Booker. 

While the two star players were going back and forth, Thompson told reporters following the Warriors' 123-110 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday at Chase Center that his emotions got the best of him a couple of days ago.

Despite chirping Booker, it wasn't a personal issue, as Thompson has plenty of admiration for the 25-year-old star.  

"I mean, the first ejection in my career didn't go to the game planning on that, but it happened," Thompson told reporters postgame. "Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and it's funny, I love competing against Devin, and I got a lot of respect for him, but, I mean, just a couple of guys going at it."

Additionally, Thompson revealed that Booker reached out to him when the Warriors star tore his Achilles in 2020, showing that the two leave their competitive emotions on the court. 

"You know what was actually one of the first people to text me when I tore my Achilles and said, 'The shooting guard battle won't be the same,'" Thompson added. "So I got a lot of respect for him, and when he did that, that meant a lot to me. And stuff happens in this league we live in on the floor."

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Booker and Thompson won't have to wait too long for the two to renew their rivalry on the court when the Warriors head to Phoenix on Nov. 16, so many NBA fans will be tuning in to watch that matchup. 

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