Devin Booker delivered it when his team needed the most. The 26-year-old shooting guard erupted for 47 points (20/25 field goals) in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Nuggets, sending the Suns to the win (121-114). He also grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 9 assists.
Booker tied his personal playoff scoring record that he set in Game 5 of the first round series against the Clippers. The Suns star had more responsibility on himself with Chris Paul being out of the game due to a groin injury.
“That’s who he is,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said after the game when asked how Booker was able to handle the pressure in absence of Chris Paul. “That’s his makeup. He doesn’t run from the tough stuff. I’ve noticed that since I’ve been around him.
“But I think putting a few more shooters around him may have helped him see more space and get to the basket and that kind of thing. But I just think it’s his makeup. He understands not having Chris puts more on his plate.
“But I don’t think he forced it the way that you would think. I think he allowed the game to happen naturally. And then where there were opportunities for him to push the issue, he was pretty efficient.”
It’s worth noting that despite Booker’s outstanding performance, the Suns still trail the series 2-1. Game 4 will also be played in Phoenix, where the Suns will look to tie the series before heading back to Denver.
