In the duel between two of the fastest rising stars in the NBA today, Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker outshined Dallas Mavericks stud Luka Doncic by going on a scoring tear in the opening quarter.
Booker dropped 11 points in the opening frame, which is the most in the franchise since Stephon Marbury's 14 points in the 2003-04 season.
.@DevinBook’s 11 points are most by a Sun in first quarter of season since Stephon Marbury had 14 in first quarter of 2003-04 pic.twitter.com/ox1WBqxzGh
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 24, 2020
Devin Booker was simply feeling it, casually pulling up from deep for the Suns.
La precisión de @DevinBook 🎯 para mantener a los locales con ventaja. 🌞@Suns 33-29 @dallasmavs#SóloenNBA pic.twitter.com/iYUOYESSkp
— NBA MÉXICO (@NBAMEX) December 24, 2020
While Booker had the confident stroke, Doncic struggled in the opening quarter of his first official game this season. Doncic was bricking 3-pointers and missing shots under the ring. At one point, the Slovenian was 0-of-6 from the field.
Booker ended the first half with 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field, 1-of-1 from deep, and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line.
Amid his struggles, Doncic tried to contribute in other ways. He ended the first half with 13 points on just 5-of-15 shooting, on top of five rebounds and three assists. He was also 3-of-3 from the free-throw line.
Booker and the Suns are coming off their stellar performance at the Orlando bubble where they went 8-0. It wasn't enough to reach the postseason, but it nonetheless impressed spectators. With veteran guard Chris Paul in the fold, many believe Phoenix will finally make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Doncic, for his part, is again expected to be part of the MVP race this season. Last season, he guided the Mavs to their first playoff appearance since 2016. This season, they are projected to make bigger waves atop the Western Conference.