The Phoenix Suns have continued to confound critics with their ability to win games this season, with the latest example a wonderful victory over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden.
Devin Booker has been locked in from the jump with this group and it is not hard to see why. He's likely going back to the playoffs, and this team will be a tough out once they get there.
Booker delighted Suns have moved away from hero ball offense
The franchise cornerstone was speaking to the media after that victory over the Knicks, which was followed up with a home win over the Memphis Grizzlies, and was quick to point out that moving away from "hero ball" offense has been one of the keys to their successful season so far.
Devin Booker after 112-107 win over Knicks: "We all understand we need each other to win big. I think hero ball might be able to get you through one or two games, but once it comes down to the nitty gritty, once you get deeper in the season or the playoffs, the defenses tighten… pic.twitter.com/3It9U8Mp49
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 10, 2026
This didn't exactly feel like a shot at Kevin Durant, although the great irony in the timing here is that on the same night Booker came out with this quote, the Houston Rockets and Durant were having issues of their own.
Booker is right though, and in the two full seasons he and Durant were teammates, there's a reason they didn't even win a playoff game.
When the game slows down and you see the same opponent many times throughout a series, you can't have a "my turn, your turn" offense like Phoenix did.
You're also not going to have success going the hero ball route either, and Booker has proven this season that he is more than happy for his teammates to have their moment.
Collin Gillespie the name that jumps out here, but let's not forget Dillon Brooks is having a career year. He has been the perfect co-star in The Valley.
Booker has had his struggles from deep this season as well, and although that game-winning shot over the Oklahoma City Thunder was so sweet, the offense does not exclusively flow through him.
The Suns give him the ball late in games and when they need to be bailed out of a bad possession, but this is not done because Booker himself demands the ball.
To realize despite having what in theory was a bottom five roster in the Western Conference that trusting in his teammates would be the key has been huge for Booker, and the Suns have reaped the rewards.
It is also comforting to know that even when Jalen Green returns from injury, that this group won't just stand around and watch Booker and Green take turns shooting.