Devin Booker seamlessly carried his Phoenix Suns team in the first game of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon. In a game that featured starting point guard Chris Paul being sidelined due to following the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Booker still managed to lead the Suns to a game one victory.
While leading Phoenix to success, Booker logged 40 points,13 rebounds, and 11 assists, in what became the two-time All-Star’s first career triple-double. In doing so, Booker connected on 15-29 shots from the field and hit three 3-pointers along the way.
In the first game of the Western Conference Finals, Devin Booker proved that the Phoenix Suns will go as far as he can take them.
After his career day, Booker became just the third player in NBA history to have a 40-point triple-double in the conference finals, joining LeBron James and Charles Barkley as the only other two players to do so. Booker is also the first Phoenix Suns player to post a playoff triple-double since Steve Nash.
What was most impressive was how elite Booker’s performance was with the spotlight hovering over him. He was in complete control and locked in throughout the entire game. Booker also took his time in getting to his spots and was precise in his overall shot selections.
By being as selective in his shots, there was a stretch near the end of the third quarter where Booker scored 16 consecutive points all on his own. Booker expressed tremendous gratitude towards his team during his postgame interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols when asked about recording his first triple-double.
"“I’m just doing anything in my power to get a win. We have a really good collective group. We rely on each other, we rely on our defense. The offense just comes, but you know Deandre is setting great screens, Dario is setting great screens and everybody’s knocking down big shots to take pressure off me.” – Devin Booker, via ESPN"
One of the most important elements for the Phoenix Suns is their versatility and depth. Every player is capable of making the big play down the stretch of a game. Booker quickly emphasized the difficulties the team faces when Paul isn’t out there facilitating the floor and making sure that everybody gets involved, as there were times where Booker was the point guard in this game.
"“Just make the right play. That’s what I try to do every time I’m on the court. But obviously finding the balance of my aggressiveness and being able to get others involved… that’s what we miss Chris with. Where I can just focus on scoring but today I had to get everyone involved. We’ve been relying on Chris all year. Especially down the stretch, controlling the ball, making sure everybody gets involved.” – Devin Booker, via ESPN"
Book things pic.twitter.com/fxwwUNaXz2
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 20, 2021
Although running point guard isn’t his natural position, Booker did an exceptional job of getting everybody on his team involved on the offensive end of the court. In doing so, Booker’s 11 assists are the third highest in his career. There were multiple alley-oops to Ayton and plenty of kick-out passes to shooters along the perimeter that Booker was able to hit and connect with.
It’s worth mentioning that the Clippers were without their best player in Kawhi Leonard. And although Booker was able to go shot-for-shot with Paul George, it’s fair to say that the outcome may have been different if Leonard was on the floor. However, Leonard’s status for the conference finals is still up in the air.
Despite George having an outstanding game himself, it’s pretty clear that Booker was the best player on the court in game one of this western conference series. To which, Booker understands that winning one game in a best of seven series doesn’t mean too much unless you can finish the job at the end.
"“Just come locked in. Be ready to play. The game is never over with them. We’ve seen their past games and we know what they’re capable of. So we have to be locked in for all 48 minutes.” – Devin Booker"
The Suns will host the Clippers again on Tuesday night at 9 PM on ESPN.