Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker put the finishing touches on the team's first-round series win over the Los Angeles Lakers, with some help from dad.

Booker spearheaded the Suns' Game 6 win over the Lakers on Thursday, torching L.A. for 47 points as Phoenix moved to the conference semifinals. He played as though he had a statement to make, something that seems to have come from his father, Melvin:

“We had a really good conversation before the playoffs,” Melvin Booker said after the Suns' win, via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated. “I told him that this was a really good opportunity to show everybody you one of these stars.

“It’s unfortunate for us to be the 2-seed in the playoffs and we cross someone like the Lakers. But what better team could you battle against to show people you are part of it? All of America is going to be watching the Lakers and LeBron play. This is your first time in the playoffs. That’s a great time to show everybody.”

Being called underrated is nothing new for Booker.

Article Continues Below
More Phoenix Suns News
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after making a basket and being fouled against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Footprint Center.
Suns rumors: How coaching search is shutting down Devin Booker trade speculationMalik Brown ·
Suns star Kevin Durant attends a WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
Suns’ Kevin Durant responds to hater with 3-word mic dropMiguel La Torre ·
Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach David Fizdale (left) and Phil Handy against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Suns rumors: The head coach candidate who has ‘support of key players’Malik Brown ·
timberwolves, Kevin Durant, Dejounte Murray, and Jarrett Allen
3 early Minnesota Timberwolves trade targets in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
Timberwolves rumors: Will Kevin Durant trade be priority after another WCF loss?Preston Byers ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Suns rumors: Brian Windhorst makes 98% Kevin Durant trade predictionJake Faigus ·

The Suns 2-guard has pretty consistently been among the top names in the “All-Star snub” category throughout his career, though he earned a selection in each of the past two years. Still, even LeBron James said NBA fans need to put more respect on Booker's name. He called Booker the “most disrespected” player in the league in February.

Well, Booker silenced the critics with a virtuoso performance for a Suns team that has needed his scoring. He shot 15-for-22 from the field, including 8-for-10 from beyond the arc, silencing the crowd at Staples Center.

Having overcome a pretty steep hurdle in the first round, Booker and the Suns will now begin their playoff run. The words of Booker's father are likely to be in the back of his mind as he attempts to lead the Suns to an NBA title.