Kevin Durant and Devin Booker (Credits – Blazers Edge and AZCentral)
Kevin Durant appreciated Devin Booker’s ability to win before joining the Suns in 2023. Booker recently made NBA history after scoring 52 points against the Pelicans. The 27-year-old also recorded his sixth 50-point game.
Devin Booker has certainly caught the attention of several basketball enthusiasts around the world. He has emerged as one of the best young stars in the league. Based on his performances, the 27-year-old is bound to become one of the all-time scoring leaders as well. Amongst it all, the Booker is also a proven leader. This is why his peers also have very high regard for him.
An entire year before Kevin Durant was acquired by the Phoenix Suns, he already held Booker on a high pedestal. On JJ Reddick’s podcast, Durant said, “He’s just… this is pretty game for one but I think he’s really mastering who he is right now. Figuring it out like how to play at an elite level but I still win. Because he always was scoring the ball but he knows how to win.”
Durant was acquired by the Suns midway through the 2022-23 season. The Suns had to give up Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, who of their elite 3&D players. Last season, the Suns made it to the second round of the playoffs. However, they lost against the eventual champions due to a lot of chemistry issues. This was what led to the Suns making blockbuster moves during the 2023 off-season.
Devin Booker made history following his 52-point outburst
Recently, Devin Booker proved that he was an elite scorer. The Suns played against the New Orleans Pelicans which resulted in their fourth straight victory. Booker was the star of the night as he scored 52 points while shooting 18-30 from the field. He was backed by Durant who scored 26 points.
Booker had a night bigger than most of us were aware of when he scored 52 points. He became the first player since Damian Lillard’s 71-point performance to score 20 points in multiple quarters of a single game. Booker scored 25 points in the first quarter, making this the fifth occasion he’s ever done it. He trails second to Stephen Curry, who has the most 25-point quarters since splits were first tracked.
Since Durant’s arrival, Booker has taken a slight step back from being the Suns’ top scorer. However, he has been getting his fair share of responsibilities on offense. He is currently averaging 27 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. Right now, the Suns still need to accumulate a couple of wins to qualify directly for the playoffs. Or else, they will have to go through the Play-In Tournament.
