Let's do away with hyperboles: Devin Booker is good. But on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers, Booker was even better.
In his very first game in the NBA Playoffs, Booker made sure to tow the Phoenix Suns to a resounding victory over LeBron James and the rest of the defending champions with a performance for the ages. The 24-year-old Booker looked like he has been going to the postseason for over a decade now, showing poise, smarts, and most of all, leadership.
The Phoenix Suns Arena was absolutely rocking throughout the game, with fans hyped for the team's first trip to the NBA Playoffs since the 2009-2010 season. Booker got fueled by their supporters and after their win, he described why the postseason atmosphere is very much different (via ESPN).
“The intensity’s different, the physicality is different. And it’s only one game.”
Booker finished with a game-high 34 points to set a new Suns record for most points in a postseason debut. He simply destroyed the Lakers defense with his sound shot-making and ability to make plays off a double team. His impressive performance also came at an opportune time for the Suns, with Chris Paul hobbled by a shoulder injury.
Prior to Sunday, Booker was the highest-scoring active player without an NBA Playoffs appearance. Well, say no more. Not only he led the Suns to the rousing win, he totally embraced the pressure.
Devin Booker will continue to be a marked man in Game 2, but for sure, he'll show up with guns blazing.
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