Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is nothing short of sensational, and in his first playoff appearance is still putting up all-time great numbers.
According to Stathead, Booker is among nine players aged 25 or under since the 1999-00 postseason to play at least ten games in a single playoffs, shoot a minimum of 45 percent from the field, average 25 points per game, with four assists per game all on 20 shots or less. Who are these other players? Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen, Blake Griffin, Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and LeBron James. That is some pretty good company.
Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker can go ballistic. Not only is Booker on this list, but he is third in points per game among these players. Booker asserts his prolific scoring when necessary, such as his Game 6 performance against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 47-point bomb.
How historical was Booker’s Game 6? According to Stathead, the only players who have scored at least 47 points on a minimum of 65 percent from the field in an away playoff game are Steve Nash, Damian Lillard, LeBron James, Jamal Murray, and Devin Booker. Are you starting to see how insane this man is? Even the pressure of getting it done on the road does not phase him.
Devin Booker is proving he belongs with the best at such a young age. He is doing everything the Suns need from him. A Western Conference Finals appearance in his first playoff rodeo as the best player is nuts.
The greatest asset about Booker though is his ability to work as a team player. It is not a one-man show. We know a one-man show cannot win a championship.
Seeing Booker learn from Chris Paul how to utilize and bring the best out of his team is incredible. It is an asset that will have Suns fans watching Booker enjoy success for years to come.
It is not simply about statistics. It is about winning. However, Booker has put both together. Not only did he dethrone the Lakers, he just swept the Denver Nuggets and the NBA’s Most Valuable Player! It is time the media and fans begin discussing Booker as a top 15 player.