Perception is reality.
At least it could be in this case.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper apparently stared down Phoenix Suns’ All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker after he smacked a 444-foot blast against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship Series’ Game 5 on Saturday. That home run piled on what resulted in the 6-1 win over Arizona to go up 3-2 in the series.
“That’s the look he gave?” Durant asked. He added, “Psssssh, that’s crazy. That’s cray,” then laughed as Booker and him shook their heads in disbelief.
Booker and Durant sat together along the third baseline. Booker made his second straight appearance at the NLCS after Arizona’s 6-5 comeback home in in Game 4, and Durant has frequently and publicly worn a black Diamondbacks hat since he was traded to Phoenix from the Brooklyn Nets in February.
Booker posted a viral NSFW response on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the comeback win, “That s– was lit” with the Diamondbacks’ X handle.
In the top of the sixth inning, Philadelphia had back-to-back solo home runs from outfielder Kyle Schwarber and Harper off of Arizona’s All-Star pitcher Zac Gallen to go up 4-0.
After Harper ran down the third baseline, one of the game’s photographers within the camera area pointed out to Durant that star first baseman nicknamed “Bryce Cold” gave Booker and Durant a sinister iced glare.
It could be true that Harper didn’t necessarily looked at them, but rather past them. However, when you know you’re one of baseball’s most dominant batters, and see two of Phoenix’s most popular athletes rooting for your opponent representing the same city, it’s not a stretch to think Harper was making a point.
Game 6 of the NLCS is Monday in Philadelphia, and the Phillies are one victory away from a second consecutive World Series berth.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Did Phillies’ Bryce Harper stare down Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant, Devin Booker after HR vs. DBacks?