NBA Top Five Performances, Feb. 14: Devin Booker Unleashed in His Third Game Back from Injury

TOP PLAYERS OF THE DAY

There were some concerns about how effective Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker would be after missing more than a month with a groin injury.

Those concerns were laid to rest with Booker recording 32 points in the Suns’ victory over the Sacramento Kings. Booker shot 65 percent from the field and made 6 of 7 free throws.

“I feel good,” Booker said about his recovery. “It’s been a long recovery road, something I found peace in and just enjoyed the whole process. After the first week, it’s kind of like, ‘Well I’m here now, so let’s get the most out of it.’”

"Yeah man I feel good. You know, it's been a long recovery road...So, a lot of strength training, a lot of leg work. And you, tonight I feel good."

🗣️ Devin Booker speaks after his 32-point performance.

Tonight's Media Availability ➡️ https://t.co/yQdea83oeV pic.twitter.com/0IfdQhrscn
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 15, 2023

Phoenix has only lost to the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies during the last month. The Suns are performing like this while awaiting the debut of Kevin Durant, which could mean trouble for the rest of the Western Conference.

OTHERS

- Raptors center Jakob Poeltl had 30 points against the Orlando Magic in his third game with Toronto.

- Kawhi Leonard’s 33 points helped the Clippers hand the Golden State Warriors the third loss in their last four games.

- Jrue Holiday tied his career high with a 40-point performance in the Bucks’ overtime victory against the Boston Celtics.

- Kyle Kuzma returned from injury with a 33-point game in the Wizards’ rout against the Portland Trail Blazers. Kuzma went 11 of 20 from the field, including six 3-pointers.

Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jayden.armant@bison.howard.edu or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.