Devin Booker led the Suns to a 120-114 win over the Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Sunday.
Booker was dynamic as he helped to fill in for the sidelined Chris Paul, who is out after testing positive for COVID-19. Booker served as the Suns’ top scorer and distributor, and the results were excellent.
Booker totaled 40 points and 11 assists as a ball-dominant presence, and he added 13 rebounds for the first triple-double of his career.
MORE: How long will Chris Paul be out?
He joined Charles Barkley as the two Suns to record a 40-point triple double in a playoff game. Only three players have done that in conference finals history: Booker, Barkley and LeBron James.
Devin Booker first career triple-double.
40 PTS
13 REB
11 ASTHe is the 2nd Suns player ever with a 40-point triple-double in the playoffs (Charles Barkley). pic.twitter.com/SfLKL1jLjd
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 20, 2021
Booker may have to keep carrying the Suns moving forward. Phoenix coach Monty Williams said after the game that Paul is still in the league’s COVID protocols and is “day to day,” per ESPN’s Rachel Nichols.
Whatever comes next, Booker’s performance was certainly memorable, and he drew a lot of praise from prominent NBA figures, media personalities and fans for his efforts in the Suns’ series-opening win.
Incredible game 1 of the WCF…Devin Booker so special. And now we get spoiled with a game 7. Love it.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) June 20, 2021
Devin Booker showed us his versatility playing shooting guard and point guard in his triple double performance!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 20, 2021
Superstar Devin Booker gave us a special performance for Father’s Day scoring 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists and taking a 1-0 lead over the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 20, 2021
Empty stats
That’s what people used to call
Devin Booker— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 20, 2021
In Game 1, Devin Booker was just too good. He went Kobe-esque, scorching every defender the Clippers threw at him, shredding double teams with his passing. But the Clippers played tired today after their quick turnaround from their miraculous G6 rally. THEY WILL BE BETTER IN G2.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 20, 2021
Devin Booker’s always been nice.
He’s just playing in June now.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 20, 2021
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