Suns

2022 - 12 - 18

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Devin Booker's 58 points powers huge Suns' comeback vs. Pelicans (ESPN)

Devin Booker scored a season-high 58 points to help bring the Suns back from a 24-point deficit in the second half and beat the Pelicans on Saturday night.

"I've had the opportunity to play with a lot of greats -- Williamson had a solid game, shooting 12 of 15 from the field, but it was completely overshadowed by Booker's performance. Booker scored a stunning 25 points in a row for the Suns before Okogie's two free throws, making just about everything he tossed toward the rim as the home crowd roared. "You got to give respect when it is due," Williamson said. Booker scored 20 points in the third, willing his team back into contention. Booker prides himself as a team player and a willing passer, but on Saturday night, he realized he had the hot hand. This effort was even more impressive because it brought the Suns back from a 24-point deficit. Paul finished with 18 points and eight assists. "It is not enjoyable." "We couldn't throw it in the ocean if we had been on a boat," Williams said. The three-time All-Star made 21 of 35 shots, including 6 of 12 3-pointers. "I don't enjoy watching somebody score 58 points on us," Pelicans guard C.J.

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Image courtesy of "Bright Side of the Sun"

Stephen's Study: Devin Booker Sparks an All-Impressive Suns ... (Bright Side of the Sun)

Devin Booker's second 50+ point performance of the season came at the right time, as the Phoenix Suns would knot their season series with the New Orleans ...

From there, it’d be a moment of “wait and see” as the Pelicans were forced to tip their hand on what they wanted to do with Booker. Remains to be seen, but this wrinkle could be an unlocking of yet another short-roll option for the Suns to compile, presenting Williams with optionality based on match-ups. Josh Okogie was yet again a key cog in the Sun's winning efforts. Another display of how this rendition of the Suns can win in a multitude of ways. Doesn’t always have to be “pretty” but also doesn’t always have to be “back-and-forth” for them. The Pelicans threw a lot of the kitchen sink at him in terms of coverages: Switches, switch-and-overs, as well as switches-and-doubles. Also, when he’s in that zone, few teams are better than the Suns. The Suns saw themselves down 24, which then prompted a late third-quarter 25-6 run, via a display of shot-making from him that was absolutely absurd. When he’s in that zone, there are few players better than him. He is not just an offensive talent, he’s a two-way factor. It was an all-impressive floor game from Devin Booker. We really saw a ton of his evolution in play.

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