Devin Booker Sets Another Suns Franchise Record
PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker continues to prove his worth.
On a night where many fans were disappointed by the absence of Kevin Durant (Durant slipped and sprained his ankle during warm-ups), Booker took it upon himself to push the Suns to a 132-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder with 44 points, his sixth game this season where he crossed the 40-point threshold.
Since Durant's arrival, Booker has seen far better looks and better spacing. As a result, he's taken full advantage of Durant's presence on the floor and earned Western Conference after a dominant three-game stretch.
Earlier this season, Booker passed Steve Nash for most three's made in franchise history.
The win over OKC marked the fourth straight game where Booker hit over 35 points, becoming the first player in Suns franchise history to accomplish such a feat.
44 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 1 BLK
36 PTS, 5 REB, 10 AST, 1 STL
35 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STL
37 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 2 BLK
"I didn't even realize he had 30 in the first half," said Chris Paul after the game. "Everything he's doing is in the flow of the game … I expect it, too."
Booker attributed his recent form to team basketball.
"It's just team [ball]. When we defend at a high level and we get out in transition - not tonight but having KD on the other wing, that's gonna naturally open up space for everybody and one of the best point guards of all time delivering the pass on time, on target. Deandre setting the screens, opening up in space. Josh Okogie being a pest to every other team's best player and making them pay too, so we're just hitting on all cylinders right now," Booker said following the game.
It's unknown exactly when Durant will return to action, but it's clear Phoenix can still rely on the presence of Booker when needed.
