Book it: Devin Booker’s top five performances so far
Mar 25, 2017, 11:26 AM | Updated: 1:29 pm
Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker shoot baskets during a training session the day before their game against the Dallas Mavericks, at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Devin Booker’s mighty performance in the Suns’ loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday was nothing short of historic.
It sparked social media reaction from all around. Kobe Bryant paid homage. The Boston Celtics seemed irked. It was just the 11th 70-point game in history.
So, in the wake of Booker’s masterpiece at the Celtics, we look back on the young phenom’s top five performances of his career — so far.
1: Booker goes off for 70 in Beantown
Of course, number one has to go to Booker’s explosive night in Boston. Not only did he become just the sixth player in NBA history to drop 70 points, but his eight rebounds were the second most of his young career thus far. He also had six assists, three steals and one block in the Suns’ 130-120 loss to the Celtics.
2: Suns top the Spurs south of the border
When the Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs met up in Mexico City on January 14, Booker scored 39 points in his team’s 108-105 victory. He was also a plus-10 and 12-for-12 in free throws with two rebounds and two assists and 3-for-5 from the arc. He did so dueling Kawhi Leonard, one of the best players in the league. Leonard finished with 38.
3: Booker ends big night with buzzer-beater to beat the Mavs
It was only two weeks ago that D-Book netted a game-winner as time expired to seal a 100-98 win over Dallas. But he was spectacular that night beyond just that clutch shot. He had 36 points with five rebounds and two assists, went 10-for-10 at the foul line, 12-for-20 in field goals and finished plus-15.
4: Clutch shot forces overtime; Phoenix topples the Pelicans
Booker and the Suns eventually beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 112-111, after Book forced overtime with a shot at the buzzer. But like his game against the Mavericks, he was electric all evening on Nov. 4, 2016, scoring 38 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing three assists.
5: Suns fall to Lakers despite Booker’s 39 points
On November 6, 2016, the Suns lost in Los Angeles. Still, it was a momentous night for Booker, who set what was then his career-high in points at 39. He also had three rebounds and seven assists in the loss.
Honorable Mention:
In his rookie season, Booker took the court for his 32nd career game, a home matchup with the Hornets. His 10 rebounds from that evening remain a career high and marked his first career double-double, and his 17 points and +10 rating only sweetened the Suns’ 111-102 win over Charlotte.
