Devin Booker and the Suns crushed the Cavaliers 117-111 tonight. The Cavs were shorthanded with key players like Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus out. They also had a major scare with Darius Garland, exiting briefly after he stepped on Booker’s foot in the second half. An injury that Devin Booker knows all too well. He missed the past four games after sustaining an ankle sprain after stepping on Royce O’Neal’s foot.
Given the intensity of the injury, no one expected him to make a quick recovery. But Book came back stronger than ever, playing like he didn’t just miss four games. He opened up about the discomfort he had faced after the game. Duane Rankin of the Arizona Central tweeted, “It kind of went both ways. Inverted and then a little out, which I never had before. Most of the pain was on the inside, but it healed quick.” He also talked about how it doesn’t matter even if it’s just one game you miss.
"It kind of went both ways. Inverted and then a little out, which I never had before. Most of the pain was on the inside, but it healed quick."
Devin Booker on right ankle sprain he suffered stepping on Royce O'Neale left ankle.
Back after missing 4 games as #Suns edged #Cavs. pic.twitter.com/3oLAbKAuqN
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It would still feel like the season’s first game when you return. Yet, joining the Big 3, Booker looked nothing like a first-timer. He worked his magic from inside the three-point arc, going 10-for-15 on two-point FG attempts. In fact, it was Book’s possession in the second half that cut the eight-point gap to three. The Cavaliers, for their part, showcased their brilliance in the paint, scoring 44 points to the Suns’ 34.
They were 8-of-11 to start the game while Phoenix fell behind by 19 points in the second quarter. But as soon as Kevin Durant got hot, the Suns rallied behind him to take a lead mid-third quarter; a lead they didn’t let go of for the rest of the matchup.
Devin Booker and his current season’s stint with the Suns
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It goes without saying that Devin Booker has been crucial for Phoenix throughout the season. He has been a menace in scoring, hitting shots from everywhere and anywhere. The 4x All-Star is averaging 27.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game on 61.1 true shooting percentage. The team, for its part, holds a 32-19 record when Book takes the floor.
There were many doubts as to whether Devin would be able to handle the point guard duties. But it seems like he is handling them pretty neatly. And there was the effectiveness of the trio of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal. With injuries making it almost impossible for the Big 3 to get enough floor time together, it seems like all the recent games have done away with that too. Somewhat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Anyway, the Suns continue their road trip as they face Boston next, followed by Charlotte, and finally Milwaukee.
Read More: Unhappy at Nike, Devin Booker Gets Lured by Rival Brand’s President Shaquille O’Neal