LOS ANGELES – The NBA All-Star Game has always been about spectacle and unforgettable moments, and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker delivered one after his encounter with former President Barack Obama, reacting to it with a post on his Instagram.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stars guard Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns high fives former president Obama in game 1 during the 75th All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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During the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, Denver’s Nikola Jokić chased down a loose ball with his usual controlled chaos. Only this time, the momentum carried him courtside, directly toward former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Until Devin Booker stepped in and made sure Jokic was unable to land on them by maneuvering him out of the way.
Devin Booker reacts to moment with former President Barack Obama:
In one quick read-and-react motion, Booker shoved Jokic off his collision course, saving Obama from becoming an unexpected All-Star casualty. The arena buzzed as Obama stood, smiled, and shook Booker’s hand in appreciation. Hours later, Booker posted the photo on Instagram with two words: “secret service.”
Feb 15, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Team USA Stars guard Booker (1) of the Suns on the red carpet before the 75th All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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The NBA thrives at the intersection of sport and influence. The All-Star stage isn’t just basketball; it’s diplomacy, entertainment, and access rolled into one. Locally, Suns fans add another layer to Booker’s legacy, a franchise cornerstone who shows up in every setting. Nationally, it reinforces the league’s unique proximity to power and celebrity. Emotionally, it was human. Jokic’s tumble was accidental, Booker’s shove was instinctual, and Obama’s handshake was gracious. Fans love authenticity, and this was unscripted theater at its finest. Devin Booker now owns an NBA All-Star Game memory that will replay every February, a hustle play that turned into history.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stars guard Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns shoots in the game 1 against Team World during the 75th All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images