Suns’ Devin Booker sets new franchise record in 1st playoff appearance

May 23, 2021, 4:13 PM | Updated: 9:48 pm

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

BY RACHEL GOSSEN

Arizona Sports

In his first playoff appearance, Devin Booker went down in the history books for setting a new franchise record.

The guard posted a total of 34 points — the most ever by a Phoenix Suns player in their postseason debut — to lead the Suns to a 99-90 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Along with the record-setting points, Booker totaled seven rebounds and eight assists while shooting 13-of-26 from the field.

📈 Devin Booker: most points in a playoff debut in Suns history pic.twitter.com/Pq0plRRH5x

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 23, 2021

It’s not surprising for the guard who averaged 25.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game during the regular season.

The 24-year-old stepped up throughout the matchup when veteran point guard Chris Paul went down with a shoulder contusion injury and left the court for the locker room twice.

While breaking a record is notable alongside a strong win against LA, Booker is focused on what comes next: Game 2.

“I don’t think you can make statements versus a team like this, the defending champs,” he said postgame. “They’ve been down this road before, but we just have to worry about ourselves honestly. Just come in ready to play for a full 48 minutes.”

Booker was just one point shy of matching his teammate Chris Paul’s debut record of 35 points, which he set with the Hornets in 2007 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Among all active NBA players, Luka Doncic holds the No. 1 spot for most points in a playoff debut with 42.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, forward Anthony Davis, second from left, and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, left, sit on the bench during a timeout during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, right, battles with Phoenix Suns forward Cameron Johnson, left, for a loose ball during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) argues with referee Rodney Mott (71) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis dunks against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) throws the basketball at Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso (4) behind referee Bill Kennedy, right, during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

A Phoenix Suns fan cheers on his team during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams, right, goes out to talk with Suns forward Jae Crowder, left, who smiles after scoring against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne, right, is pulled away from an on-court shoving match by teammate Dario Saric, middle, during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, loses the ball as Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and Suns forward Jae Crowder, right, defend during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. T (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, right, leaps into the crowd to get a loose ball as Phoenix Suns guard Cameron Payne (15) looks on during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma pauses on the court after causing a turnover during the second half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 99-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Head coach Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns talks with Devin Booker #1 and Jae Crowder #99 during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a three-point shot over Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against Anthony Davis #3 and Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns stand attended for the national anthem during Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans in attendance during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns rush for a loose ball during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Montrezl Harrell #15, Alex Caruso #4 and Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers come together with Dario Saric #20, Cameron Payne #15 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns in an altercation during the second half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns is looked at by team trainers after an injury during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns falls to the floor after an injury during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns and Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers jump for the opening tip-off during Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a three-point shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot over Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a shot over Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers center Andre Drummond (2) scores against Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99), forward Mikal Bridges, second from right, and center Deandre Ayton, right, during the first half of Game 1 of their NBA basketball first-round playoff series Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: General manager James Jones of the Phoenix Suns watches warm-ups to Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Arena on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 23: Fans gather outside of Phoenix Suns Arena before Game One of the Western Conference first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns on May 23, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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