“Felt Foreign”: Reflecting on Disastrous Outing, Devin Booker Drops Valuable Lesson to Young Hoopers

The Phoenix Suns faced the Portland Trail Blazers tonight and came out victorious. Limiting their opponents to double digits, the Suns got the better of Portland with a 109-88 score. Despite the win, Devin Booker wasn’t too happy with the win. Talking to the press post-game, he touched on an important aspect and gave valuable advice to young basketball players.

He says, “If kids can learn anything from this situation, just keep shooting. It’ll even back out.” Landing just 10 points and held to just 4-of-16 shooting, he gives the example of how Grayson Allen had set him up. Booker further described the situation as feeling “foreign”. 

The Big 3 was missing a key piece in Kevin Durant. A constant since the start of the season, KD was out due to left hamstring soreness. This naturally meant that Booker and Bradley Beal would have to share the tasks. Unfortunately for Booker, tonight wasn’t his best.

Beal, on the other hand, led the scoreboard with 21 points. The Suns’ reserves were the next saving grace. Booker called Bol and the rest the “stand-ready team,” always “competing,” “scrimmaging” against each other. Everyone scored in double digits off the bench, with Bol Bol deserving special mention. A +15 on the floor in eight minutes of the first half, he finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and one assist.

While Booker gave some valuable advice to the younger hoopers, he wasn’t shy about giving credit where due. And he extended that to his former teammate as well.

“Friend for life”: Devin Booker on Ish Wainright

The Blazers’ forward now, Wainwright had become a beloved teammate of the Suns in the two seasons he spent with them. Having traveled a tough road to reach where he is now, Wainwright possesses certain traits that are hard to come by. And they are exactly what made him so valuable.

Read More: Devin Booker Gives Two Cents on the Return of “Game Changer” Bradley Beal

When asked about how it felt to see Ish tonight, Booker had a nostalgic look as he replied, “Oh, it’s always great to see Ish … that’s a friend of mine for life!” He also elaborates on the kind of work ethic that the 27-year-old veteran follows. “First person in the gym and the last one to leave,” just about surmises the level of professionalism and seriousness Ish employs.

Just how much Arizona loves the American-Ugandan player was seen when he received a standing ovation prior to the tip-off. Anyway, he has found a key position among the Blazers and seems to be thriving there. Meanwhile, Booker has given his word that he “will get on the heater soon”.

What do you think of Booker’s promise? Can he deliver on it soon? Let us know your thoughts below!

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