Booker changes profile picture to Raptors' mascot after Tuesday's run-in
In the latest turn in the most unexpected feud of the NBA season, star Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker has changed his profile picture on Twitter to an image of the Toronto Raptors' mascot - "The Raptor."
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/WnUyNxt1JQ
— Book (@DevinBook) January 12, 2022
And just over an hour later, the Raptor followed suit.
#NewerProfilePic pic.twitter.com/w7Z8xtcaXY
— The Raptor (@the_raptor) January 13, 2022
The initial friction stemmed from a moment late in Phoenix's 99-95 win in Toronto on Tuesday, which was closed to fans due to local health measures.
After shooting a free throw, Booker gestured to the mascot - effectively the lone spectator in an arena - to seemingly request that the game official prevent the Raptor from making distracting gestures behind the basket.
been a long time since ive laughed this hard. *this* is what Booker was mad at. look at that verticality!!! pic.twitter.com/IodruVIsbZ
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 12, 2022
The mascot moved to the corner of the court area while Booker shot his second free throw attempt.
Was Booker's gesture on Twitter an act of trolling or tribute? Based on his postgame comments on Tuesday, it appears he and the Raptor are back on friendly terms.
— David Astramskas (@Redapples2021) January 12, 2022
The Raptor has purportedly been portrayed by the same individual since the franchise began in 1995 - though the performer's identity is a closely guarded secret.
