Though the L.A. Clippers beat down the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night with a final score of 115-99, after the contest, Suns star Devin Booker had nothing but good things to say about Clippers rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Per ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly:
”I’ve been watching from afar, and he’s been playing off the charts. Even when he’s not in the point category, he does little things on the floor. He defends at a high level which is surprising for a rookie.”
Devin Booker was a first-hand witness to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's talents on Wednesday, as the Clippers rookie posted an all-around gem against the struggling Suns. Consequently, postgame, Booker had to give credit where it's due and admit that the 6-foot-6 guard left quite an impression on him.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started once again for Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and he played a total of 29 minutes in this one. The former Kentucky standout put up 13 points (5-of-11 field goal, 1-of-2 free throw, 2-of-2 three-pointers), seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block, and four turnovers as he helped the Clippers overpower the Suns.
This was one of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's best all-around games of his young career, as his rebounds and assists totals were a bit higher than usual. For the season, the rookie is averaging 10.6 points (on 45.6 percent shooting from the field), 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 27.8 minutes per game.
However, as Devin Booker explained, Gilgeous-Alexander's value lies in his defensive ability. The 20-year-old is currently averaging 1.0 steal and 0.7 blocks per game, which is actually quite impressive. It's no wonder that coach Rivers has so much confidence in the youngster, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been pivotal in the team's recent surge.
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