Devin Booker is not suited up but still playing defense on Pelicans

Devin Booker made the trip to New Orleans to support his teammates.

And even though he was ruled out due to a hamstring strain and not in hoops gear, the Suns star was still playing defense in Game 3 with a first-round series now at 2-1 in favor of Phoenix after a 114-111 road win on Friday.

A whistle blew a play dead in the first quarter, but as New Orleans’ C.J. McCollum attempted to get a practice shot out of the corner and in front of Phoenix’s bench, Booker managed to stop the opposing point guard from getting into a rhythm.

It took a little shove.

Devin Booker just came off the bench and pushed CJ McCollum in the back mid shot. How is this not a technical foul on the Suns? pic.twitter.com/zgQxkpprYs

— Steve Franklin (@MyGuySteve) April 23, 2022

And that little shove wasn’t appreciated by McCollum, who had a few words with Booker on the sideline.

Devin Booker doing his job even in street clothes as he chirps with CJ McCollum 🗣pic.twitter.com/8AvbQUah7j

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 23, 2022

The defensive support from Booker didn’t stop McCollum from shooting. He had seven points on 3-of-7 shooting after the first quarter.

The Suns, who started forward Cam Johnson with Booker out, prioritized center Deandre Ayton early on.

Ayton scored 13 first-quarter points on seven shots after he only put up six attempts in Phoenix’s Game 2 loss.

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