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Feb 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Feb 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Devin Booker dropped 29 points and handed out eight assists, leading the Suns to a much-needed 121-117 win over the Bulls on Saturday. Finally, the losing streak is over. Phoenix had been in a slump, dropping four straight games, but this time, they found a way to pull through. This win was even more significant because it marked the first time since Jan. 31 that Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal all suited up together and actually came away with a victory.
Back in Philly on Jan. 6, Beal found himself benched. Fast forward to Saturday, and he was back in the starting lineup, bringing the kind of energy the Suns had been missing. His biggest moment? Draining a clutch three with 13.4 seconds left to push Phoenix ahead 121-115. The Suns’ Big Three finally clicked, dropping a combined 81 points.
After the victory, D-Book had a strong message for the locker room. When asked about the importance of the victory, Booker didn’t downplay the work still ahead. “Everyone’s needed it. But we’re not gonna get too happy with it,” Booker said. “We still have a lot of work to do the rest of the season. A lot of business to handle, so it’s a good step in the right direction, though.”
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A reporter then pointed out how Booker previously emphasized the importance of staying in games, no matter the circumstances, and asked if this win was an example of that mindset.
“Yeah, the communication was higher than normal,” Booker responded. “And you know, we just have to continue to stick together. You know there’s gonna be ups and downs throughout the whole game.” Booker also stressed the level of competition across the league, regardless of team records. “You can’t overlook any team this league. Regardless of record, you know, there’s talent out there. It’s a lot of confident players, so you know we just have to keep finding ways to, you know, to get dubs.”
“I like it. A lot of threats out there, a lot of scoring options and just defending at a high level.”
Devin Booker on Bradley Beal back in starting lineup as Suns edge Bulls, 121-117.
Booker scored a game-high 29 points to go with 8 assists.
“The communication was higher than… pic.twitter.com/UE8tPsUEyW
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 23, 2025
Booker isn’t getting complacent and he expects the same from his teammates. But while this win uplifted everyone’s mood, a certain news spoiled the 4x All-Star’s. Hooters might be heading for bankruptcy as it scrambles to work out a restructuring plan with creditors, per Bloomberg News.
The chain, known for its wings and waitstaff, had raised about $300 million in 2021 using asset-backed bonds—essentially borrowing against franchise fees and other assets. Now, it looks like those financial moves weren’t enough to keep things steady.
The Suns guard took to X to express his sadness. He tweeted, “Plz don’t go @Hooters”. Well, looks like Booker will have to save Hooters along with the Suns.
As Devin Booker and the Suns refocus on their playoff push, a lingering “what if” emerges again- one that could have reunited Booker with Kevin Durant in the Bay, and another that might have earned him an All-Star nod. So, maybe, let us address it too.
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Could LeBron have made way for Devin Booker?
2025’s NBA All-Star Game delivered an unexpected twist: one of the game’s biggest stars didn’t step on the court. LeBron James, slated for his record 21st All-Star appearance, was set to join Shaquille O’Neal’s team, Shaq’s OGs, which ended up winning the mini-tournament championship. But just hours before tipoff, LeBron announced he would sit out due to lingering discomfort in his left foot and ankle.
At 40 years old, he had already missed the Lakers’ win over the Indiana Pacers last weekend because of the same injury, so many assumed he’d play regardless. This marked the first time in his career that LeBron skipped an All-Star Game. While his decision likely protected him from further injury, a timely announcement might have allowed the league to slot in another Western Conference star. Devin Booker, for instance, seemed like an obvious choice.
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Feb 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) defends Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Booker has been on fire this season, averaging 26 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 45.1% from the field and 33.8% from deep. Although his numbers have dipped slightly compared to last season, he’d have made a strong case for an All-Star nod.
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Meanwhile, his teammate KD represented the Suns impressively with Shaq’s OGs. Now, Booker and the Suns can refocus on mounting a late playoff push. Exciting times ahead, indeed.
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Debate
Is Devin Booker the most underrated star in the NBA, or is his All-Star snub justified?
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Is Devin Booker the most underrated star in the NBA, or is his All-Star snub justified?
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