If there were any concerns whether Devin Booker can lead the Phoenix Suns alone in the Western Conference Finals, all those were erased with his epic Game 1 performance against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Booker did not only fill the void left by the absence of Chris Paul on the offensive end, but he was also a pest for the Clippers from all over the court. He finished with an insane triple-double of 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the Suns to a 120-14 victory for the 1-0 lead.
In the process, Booker also set several records to join a few elites who have achieved such feats–including LeBron James, Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among others.
For one, he became one of the youngest players to record a 40-point triple-double in the playoffs. The Suns' guard is also among three players who did it before turning 25, joining Robertson and Luka Doncic.
40-point triple-double in the playoffs before turning 25:
Oscar Robertson (2x)
Luka Doncic
Devin Booker pic.twitter.com/GCcnPA3un3— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 20, 2021
Additionally, per ESPN Stats & Info, Devin Booker is only the fifth player in the past 60 NBA seasons to have their first career triple-double in the Conference Finals or later. Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Jerry Lucas and Bill Russell were the first ones to do it–which speaks volume on how special his latest milestone is.
Devin Booker recorded his first career triple-double Sunday.
He's the 5th player over the last 60 seasons to record his 1st career triple-double in the Conf Finals or later, joining Hall of Famer's James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry Lucas and Bill Russell
H/T @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/DEhe4mYfJ9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 20, 2021
The Suns' scorer, moreover, is also only the sixth player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games in his first career playoffs. It is an elite group that is composed of LeBron, Luka, wilt Chamberlain, Bob McAdoo and Rick Barry.
Devin Booker is the 6th player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games in his first career postseason, joining Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Bob McAdoo, Rick Barry and Wilt Chamberlain. pic.twitter.com/KOZWJzzvRC
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 20, 2021
As for the Suns franchise, the playoff triple-double is a special achievement as well. After all, he is now part of an exclusive club that features Phoenix legends Steve Nash, Charles Barkley, Jason Kidd and Penny Hardaway.
Devin Booker is the 5th player in Suns history with a playoff triple-double (6th instance).
He joins Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Penny Hardaway and Charles Barkley (2). pic.twitter.com/f6yUe9Xsj3
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 20, 2021
Making things even more amazing, Devin Booker is the first Suns player with a 40-point triple-double since Charles Barkley in 1993. The funny fact? When Chuck did it in 1993, Phoenix was at home and won by the same scoreline of 120-114.
Fun fact: Devin Booker is the first Suns player with a 40-point triple-double since Charles Barkley in 1993.
Funner fact: The Suns won both home games exactly 120-114. pic.twitter.com/dworc0rpgF
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 20, 2021
Booker is yet to reach the peak of his career, but there is no doubt he has already become a legend with an opportunity to add more to his legacy.
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