Suns, Devin Booker React to 50-Point Game
PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has seen his role - and responsibility - dramatically altered under new coach Frank Vogel.
Playing alongside Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Booker has shifted from an attacking shooting guard with Chris Paul running the point to Booker assuming distribution responsibilities this season.
The process has undoubtedly seen highs and lows, though Booker has flashed the ability to take over games when needed - like Friday's win in New Orleans, when he scored a whopping 52 points to push Phoenix to a fourth consecutive win.
It was just the sixth time Booker crossed the 50-point mark in his career.
"He's got an incredible killer instinct. He had that look in his eyes tonight - saw the ball go in a few times early, and guys were looking for him, and he was looking for it," Vogel said following the win.
"We keep asking him to be aggressive at the three-point line. He's coming off screens looking for it. I think tonight is a good picture of how you can shoot a high volume of threes and still get to the free throw line with ten free throw attempts. He set a great tone for us offensively."
Booker finished the first quarter with 25 points, and seemingly everybody knew it was bound to be a special night from there - including Booker himself.
Mikal Bridges is the only other NBA player to score 25 points in the opening quarter of play this season.
“I just tried to be aggressive from the start. I think this was an important game. This is a team that is, one, ahead of us in standings, and two, could potentially be a playoff matchup," Booker said.
"So, just trying to set the tone early and be aggressive, and everybody put me in the right spots. (Jusuf) Nurkić threw some fire passes today.”
Booker accomplished the feat in front of plenty of friends and family as Moss Point - where he spent his high school playing days - isn't too far from New Orleans.
"It's always good to play in front of his family members, but to have a 50-point night on a memorable night like this is something his family will be talking about for a long, long time," Durant said following action.
The Suns are back at home for a Sunday matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
