As game 6 drew to a conclusion, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. The Suns are clearly hoping to win their first NBA title. Notably, Devin Booker scored 47 points, of which 22 points came in the first quarter in what was a scintillating performance. LeBron James even gave a signed jersey to Devin Booker after the game.
Significantly, Anthony Davis started the game but left the floor after aggravating his groin injury. LeBron James mustered 29 points, but he is now still out in the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career.
LeBron James gives a fitting tribute to Booker
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LeBron gave Booker a signed jersey after the game 🤝
(via @nba) pic.twitter.com/LRtgfmmo96
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 4, 2021
Picked 13th in the NBA draft of 2015, Booker has come of age to become one of the best shooters in the league. Despite a slow start to his career with the Suns, Devin is one of the most important players on the Suns’ roster. He has averaged 26.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in this series; these are All-star numbers. Booker’s 8-10 three-point shooting percentage was enough for the Suns to get past the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Chris Paul upped his ante as he went on a 6-0 run in the fourth quarter while the Lakers were trying to mount a comeback. He dished out 12 assists as well. The Phoenix Suns will now face the Joker in an exciting matchup with the Nuggets. But for now, Booker will be happy to take home the victory, as well as the signed jersey by LeBron.
Can the Suns go all the way?
Phoenix will now meet the Denver Nuggets who earlier sent the Trail Blazers home. It will be an intriguing matchup. The Suns have momentum going into the series and will look to be the victors against the Nuggets.
For the Nuggets, even though Jamal Murray has not played, Nikola Jokic has stepped up to provide the creative spark for the team. Austin Rivers looks like a completely different player on the floor and the Suns will have to be hard on defense. A duel between Ayton and Jokic is on the cards as the Suns will look to advance into their first conference final since 2009.
While Booker walked off the court, I noticed he was looking up and kind of putting his hands together. I thought he might be thinking about Kobe. Turns out, he was, and was looking at his retired numbers in the rafters, which were right above that tunnel at Staples. #Suns
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) June 4, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is no doubt that Booker is a huge fan of the late great Kobe Bryant. Likewise, he showed shades of Kobe today as he produced a mesmerizing performance on the court.
The Phoenix Suns won’t have a better shot at winning the title than they do right now. Chris Paul, Jae Crowder, and DeAndre Ayton have proved to be an able support cast. The team is balanced and will now look to defeat the Nuggets in the next round.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY- From J. R. Smith to Erik Spoelstra: Teammates and Coaches that LeBron James has disrespected