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Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker Is Far From A One-Hit Wonder

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 12, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker prior to the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Portland defeated Phoenix 110-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker prior to the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Portland defeated Phoenix 110-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker made unexpected history by scoring 70 points in a single game, but don’t confuse him with a one-hit wonder.

Whether temporarily or permanently, Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker has become a household name. For those who missed it, the former Kentucky Wildcats star made waves by putting forth one of the greatest scoring performances in NBA history.

Though the big splash may have been exhilarating, all it truly did was shine a light on what’s been building for the better part of two years: Booker’s ascension.

In the midst of a tough season in Phoenix, Booker reminded fans of why the future is as bright as—I apologize in advance—the sun. He torched the Boston Celtics for 70 points on 21-of-40 shooting, adding eight rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block.

In turn, Booker became just the sixth player in NBA history to score at least 70 points in a single game.

Perhaps most impressively, Booker became the youngest player in league history to eclipse 70 points—and, for that matter, 60.

Impressive as that all may be, some are beginning to let this individual game speak louder than what Booker has achieved during his brief NBA career.

At 20 years of age, Booker is one of the youngest players in the NBA. Even in his youth, the second-year shooting guard has been dropping consistent hints that display just how dominant a force he could become.

In order to appreciate the true significance of his historic 70-point performance, one must first understand what it’s a microcosm of.

Gradual Improvement

Devin Booker finished his rookie season with averages of 13.8 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 3-point field goals made in 27.7 minutes per game. He did so on a respectable rookie-year slash line of .423/.343/.840.

During his second NBA season, Booker has been one of the most consistent scoring threats in the league.

Booker is currently averaging 21.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.9 3-point field goals made in 34.9 minutes per game. He’s done so on a slash line of .423/.364/.838, which isn’t terribly different from what he did as a rookie.

Having said that, Booker deserves praise for maintaining his efficiency while attempting 6.6 more field goals, 1.3 more 3-point field goals, and 2.0 more free throws per game.

With an increase in his role and responsibilities, Booker could have suffered a slight decline in his efficiency. Instead, he’s embraced the need to step up and execute, seeing upticks in both his overall volume and his 3-point efficiency.

Though the numbers may come off as par for the course for a rising star, they’re of historical value when one considers the fact that Booker is still just 20 years of age.

Quietly Making History

As previously alluded to, Devin Booker is the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 70 points in a single game. He’s also the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 60 points in a single game.

Impressive as those feats may be, it’s the numbers that he’s accumulated that truly displays how promising Booker’s career has become.

Booker has scored at least 20 points in 57 different games. Only five players in NBA history recorded more 20-point games before the age of 21 than Booker: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Andrew Wiggins, and Kyrie Irving.

Booker also has 17 30-point games before the age of 21, which ties him with Anthony for third all-time, behind just James and Durant.

It’s also worth noting that Booker recently broke James’ record for the most consecutive games with at least 20 points by a player age 20 or younger. James did so in 15 consecutive games, while Booker did it in 16 straight.

If you still aren’t impressed, try adding that Booker is on pace to become the 11th player in NBA history to average at least 20.0 points per game at age 20 or younger.

The other players who have done so are Anthony, Elton Brand, Adrian Dantley, Anthony Davis, Durant, Tyreke Evans, Irving, James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wiggins.

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Thus, while it’s entirely fair and rational to praise Booker for his 70-point eruption, he deserves to be heralded as much more than just another one-hit wonder.

Devin Booker is a rising star.