Devin Booker puts up 32 points in return from injury
Tuesday's home matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies marked Booker's return to the hardwood and he was quick to pick up where he left off.
Back from injury, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles past Memphis Grizzlies guard Andrew Harrison, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Welcome back, Devin Booker.
It’s been nine games since the Phoenix Suns guard last played in an NBA game thanks to a left adductor injury.
Tuesday’s home matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies marked his return to the hardwood and he was quick to get things rolling.
Didn’t take long for Devin Booker to hit his first shot after returning from injury pic.twitter.com/ZTnmSTRmci
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 27, 2017
In the first quarter, Booker managed to not only score the first basket, but in seven minutes put up eight points — leading all scorers.
“I was ready to go,” Booker said. “I got a little fatigued but that’s what I expected.”
He also moved the ball around too, dishing out three assists, including this beauty to big man Tyson Chandler.
Triano was hoping Booker’s return would spark the first unit. So far, so good. pic.twitter.com/iqY5YTlZDP
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) December 27, 2017
He closed out the first quarter with a +9 plus-minus differential, shooting 3-for-4 from the field — 2-2 from long range.
Booker’s game continued to catch fire in the second quarter, especially when he connected with Marquese Chriss for the second-quarter slam.
Devin Booker has been excellent coming off picks & creating for himself & others. #NBAVote pic.twitter.com/Mk7Zl3K1qj
— Suns Nation (@SunsNationNBA) December 27, 2017
He finished out the half scoring 12 more points — bringing his total to 20 and added an assist. He also managed to grab four rebounds during the first half to help the Suns take a 57-53 lead through the halfway point.
The second half started much like the first with Booker giving his team the first points of the half — hitting a deep 3-pointer.
In the fourth, he had his hands on the first points of the quarter, again, finding Alex Len for the basket.
He fell somewhat quiet in the third quarter — only scoring four points — but was quick to find his rhythm in the fourth.
Do your thing. Booker will wait.@DevinBook #NBAVote pic.twitter.com/XrAfsWKCur
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 27, 2017
Then he got matched up with Memphis Grizzlies big man Marc Gasol and proceeded to go to work.
Cold, Devin Booker. Cold. pic.twitter.com/bmdd7J7bxd
— Matt Petersen (@TheMattPetersen) December 27, 2017
When it was all said and done, Booker finished the night with 32 points — on 9-of-21 shooting — to go along with six assists and five rebounds in 34 minutes.
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