Devin Booker Continues to Shoulder Suns in Kevin Durant's Absence
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Devin Booker put on a show Sunday afternoon dropping 46 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, his efforts were unsuccessful as the Suns lost 124-120.
Booker was extremely efficient shooting 64.3% FG and 42.9% from three point range. This is Booker’s second 40-point game in the month of March which continues to be his strongest month of the year with averages of 34.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Despite a strong game from Booker, he was still disappointed his team could not come away with the victory.
“We’re at the point of the season every game counts,” Booker said. “You want to get as many wins as you can. We let one slip tonight.”
Booker’s 46 points was nearly matched with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40 points which ultimately helped lead the Thunder to rally from a double digit lead in the fourth quarter.
Monty Williams took full responsibility for Phoenix’s fourth quarter collapse following the game.
“This one’s on me,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “I’ve got to get guys in the game that can create a rhythm, especially on defense. We’re giving up way too many 30-point quarters, consecutively. That’s on me. I have to figure out the guys who can play together defensively as opposed to the starters to increase the momentum from an offensive and defensive standpoint.”
A 46 point performance usually should give any team a win but not for the Suns. Booker’s incredible game will be forgotten due to the loss.
“It sucks,” Landry Shamet said. “We played with the game a little bit. We weren’t as solid as we needed to be, especially down the stretch."
This game brings back memories early on in Booker’s career when he would put up outstanding numbers each and every game but it would never lead to wins.
With Durant still out with a sprained ankle, Booker will need to keep playing at a high level but it is the rest of his teammates that will have to pick up the slack and help the superstar guard out if the Suns want to hold on to a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
