5 Keys to Phoenix Suns’s Record Tying “No Loss” November
By Karan Jain
Phoenix Suns Key to “No Loss” November: Devin Booker’s improved shot diet
Prior to this season, Suns fans widely believed Devin Booker to be a better 3-point shooter than his percentages advertised. But now, he is finally shooting to his potential, hitting from deep at a career-high 40.5 percent rate so far this season.
While naysayers might argue that Booker’s small sample size of triples is solely responsible for this, his improved shot selection strikes as the main reason behind his efficiency uptick.
Of Booker’s total field goal attempts this year, 16.0 percent have been catch and shoot triples, which resembles his highest frequency since the 2017-18 season. With Booker having improved his efficiency on such shots each year at the NBA level, this trend carries great significance, as it shows Booker’s intentions to fire away strictly from within his hot zones.
Booker’s “wide-open” field goal attempts also illustrate his improved shot choice. NBA.com defines these shots as those where there is at least six feet between a shooter and this defender. Devin Booker has been “wide-open” for 15.8 percent of his shots this season, his highest frequency since his rookie year.
Booker’s brilliant off-ball movement also deserves a nod, as it never ceases in pressuring opposing defenses. That combined with Chris Paul’s mastery to execute Monty Williams’ plays has led to one of the NBA’s most efficient half-court offenses.
Even in a contract year (and after what happened in the offseason), Deandre Ayton’s willingness to unselfishly roll and dive to create open shots for Booker has been exemplary as well.