In the aftermath of the Phoenix Suns’ hard-fought victory over the Golden State Warriors, a game where Devin Booker showcased his undeniable importance, the spotlight shifted to an intriguing exchange. During Inside the NBA Show, a former Suns player, Jamal Crawford, questioned Booker regarding the observations made by Kevin Durant from the sidelines. Booker’s reply was equally a sign of newly acquired confidence and an indirect response to detractors questioning whether there was a point guard after Chris Paul.
Booker silences doubts on post-Chris Paul era
Devin Booker showed his determination as he scored 32 points and 7 assists despite the Warriors’ defensive attack. Speaking on not just his, but the entire team’s strengths, Booker gave an illuminating interview with Jamal Crawford. Booker’s answer was not merely an indicator of his basketball skill but a calculated jab at the remaining questions about Phoenix’s offensive abilities beyond CP3.
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The shooting guard answered with confidence, “People saying that we don’t have a point guard, we have scorers and we have playmakers around here. Give it to Brad, give it to KD, let teams do their junk defenses, and operate after that.” It was an assertive statement and indirectly refuted those doubting the Suns could run the game without a point guard. It reinforced Booker’s developing prowess as a playmaker.
"We have scorers and we have playmakers around here. Give it to Brad, give it to KD, let teams do their junk defenses, and operate after that.”
DBook on claims that the Suns "have no point guard" pic.twitter.com/Hlksllr3DY
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 13, 2023
Through these words, Booker was not only assuming the functions of a playmaking general, but he was also suggesting the Suns’ flexibility and multifunctionality in the absence of a traditional point guard. Booker’s revelation contributes even more to the growing story of how life after Chris Paul went down for the Suns and whether they have managed with it or not, as they seem very efficient in that regard.
The delay in the Suns’ Big Three debut
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Although Devin Booker’s brilliant personality grabs the limelight, the expected union of the Big Three Phoenix Suns—Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal—has been delayed without notice. This recent loss was an ankle sprain for Durant that was timed badly because fans were already waiting for the first meeting of the trio.
With Durant absent against the Warriors and Bradley Beal returning from an extended absence caused by a back injury, the three are yet to offer a sample of what they are truly capable of achieving together. While the trio is a combination of top-notch scoring and shooting guards, they have not played together this season, and there are concerns about how it will shape the Suns’ game.
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The fact that Durant might play against the Brooklyn Nets increases the excitement among the fans and analysts with the possibility of seeing Booker, Durant, and Beal on the court. What do you think of Devin Booker’s statement? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments.