4 takeaways from Phoenix Suns loss in revenge game

Book Ain’t Backin’ Down

As many props as players like Mikal Bridges, Aron Baynes, Dario Saric, and Jevon Carter deserve, make no mistake that the star of this team is Devin Booker.

Former Phoenix Suns legend, Trevor Ariza, did his best Mikal Bridges impersonation on Booker most of the game, with limited success. Ariza looked like a schoolyard bully who Booker pantsed in science class and was now out for revenge on the playground.

He was all over Booker, but unlike Bridges on Lillard who played defense straight up, Ariza shoved, yanked, and talked smack to Booker most of the night in a game where referees swallowed their whistle quite a bit.

Booker still ended up with a game-high 29 points and seemed mostly unphased by Ariza’s antics. However, as many times as he hit the floor (including a bad tumble late in the game) his body might take offense in the morning. It will be something to keep an eye on, but Booker is tough and will be out there if he is remotely capable.

During this game, Booker passed Shawn Marion for 4th all-time amongst Suns players in 3-point shots made. He now only trails Leandro Barbosa, Dan Majerle, and Steve Nash. Something tells me that list is in trouble.