Inside The Suns

Legendary Devin Booker Performance Leaves Door Open for Suns

Booker was absolutely sensational in every facet of the game, leading the Suns to a Game 3 win.
Kevin Hicks|
Legendary Devin Booker Performance Leaves Door Open for Suns
Legendary Devin Booker Performance Leaves Door Open for Suns

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Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns shooing guard Devin Booker chose a perfect night to have arguably the best game of his short yet impressive playoff career. 

The Suns' 121-114 win was highlighted by Booker's 47 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and one block. The franchise player had an unreal impact on both sides of the court while also shooting 20-25 from the floor, a feat that he's now accomplished twice this season. 

It was clear that Booker was on a mission from the opening tip. Just over a minute into the game, Booker's aggressive defense lead to a Michael Porter Jr. turnover, which in turn was taken coast to coast for an easy floater. This was just a sample of what viewers were in store for. 

The three-time All-Star's 18 first quarter points were earned in a variety of ways: His signature pull-up in the midrange, leveraging an unexpected quick first step to pressure the rim for easy layups and knocking down a catch-and-shoot look off of a Durant pass all took place in front of a rowdy Footprint Center. 

The way Booker finished the game deserves praise as well. His twelve fourth quarter points included an insane sequence where he leveraged a bevy of dribble moves inside the arc into a beautiful short-range pull up jumper. This wasn't even the most impressive feat Booker accomplished in crunch time.

Booker leveraged the gravity that was created by his three-level barrage to create opportunities for Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren in some of the biggest moments of the game. Not enough people talk about how good Booker is at manipulating defenses with his eyes, and how his overall scoring ability opens up advantages for everyone around him, even Durant.

Suns coach Monty Williams touched on the topic of Booker having more responsibilities pertaining to running the offense with Chris Paul out. 

"That's who he is. That's his makeup. He doesn't run from the tough stuff. I've noticed that since I've been around him … But I just think it's his makeup. I mean, he understands not having Chris [Paul] puts more on his plate but I don't think he forced it the way that you would think," said Williams after the game.

In other words, Booker came into this game with an incredible sense of motivation and desire to steal what was a must-win game in Phoenix. He was far and away the biggest reason why the goal was accomplished. 

However, he didn't change the way he plays the game. He let the game come to him and took what was given, and ended up influencing the game in every facet. 

The Suns' season was salvaged - for at least one more game - thanks to none other than Devin Booker.

Game 4 will be Sunday, May 7 at 5:00 PM PST.

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Kevin Hicks
KEVIN HICKS

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