There is no denying that this is far from Devin Booker’s best season in a Phoenix Suns jersey, but recent outings have suggested a return to form for the four-time All-Star. The Suns have had a tumultuous season, filled with injuries and trade rumors. It has gravely affected their play on the court, with the team in a battle for a play-in spot. They are tied for 10th in the West with a 21-20 record but are only two games back of the Los Angeles Lakers in sixth.
An improved week and a half has seen the Suns make ground on the teams above them, winning six of their last eight games following a four-game losing streak. However, they have enjoyed a light schedule, not playing a single top-five team in either conference, meaning there are much tougher tests on the horizon.
Suns Star’s Return to All-Star Form Fuels Recent Stretch
Devin Booker Is Looking Like All-Star Devin Booker Again
Amidst all the trouble surrounding the Suns, Booker’s regression was a key area for improvement. The 28-year-old had been producing a points average and efficiency worse than he had each year since his sophomore season. Booker was struggling to help Kevin Durant lead the team to wins.
It has been a different story in the last seven games. He finally looks like the Booker fans have been used to seeing. His increased aggression, particularly in the opening stages, has been setting the tone for the rest of his teammates and ensuring they do not fall behind early.
During this stretch, he averaged 32.9 points, 6.7 assists and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting 50.3% from the field. This includes a 39-point game at the Charlotte Hornets, a 37-point outing at the Washington Wizards, and a pair of 35-point efforts, the latest on Saturday afternoon in his hometown Detroit against the Pistons. His lowest total was 20 points at home to the Atlanta Hawks, but this was a game where he took on a larger creative responsibility, tying a season-high with 12 assists.
These numbers have prompted a surge in his season averages, taking his points to 25.5 per game. This is the 12th highest in the NBA and seventh among guards. Alongside Durant, the duo are providing a combined 52.6 points per game.
Devin Booker over the last 7 games:
35 PTS – 5 REB – 3 AST – 50% FG
37 PTS – 3 REB – 5 AST – 42% FG
35 PTS – 5 REB – 5 AST – 52% FG
30 PTS – 5 REB – 8 AST – 50% FG
34 PTS – 5 REB – 4 AST – 60% FG
20 PTS – 3 REB – 12 AST – 43% FG
39 PTS – 6 REB – 10 AST – 56% FG pic.twitter.com/I6PSqtrmYO— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 18, 2025
Time For The Suns And Booker To Look Forward
Phoenix’s prospects this season may not be as bleak as they had previously appeared. The acquisition of center Nick Richards via trade has produced immediate results. He delivered a 21-point and 11-rebound double-double in his debut against the Pistons. Reports suggest that the Suns are not done in the trade market, still seeking ways to upgrade the roster.
Booker is leading the mini-resurgence next to Durant, and suddenly the Suns are not yet out of the playoff race. They still look a long way off being the title contenders expected of them. Counting the stars out already though is certainly premature.
A trip to the league’s best Cleveland Cavaliers awaits, in what will be the ultimate test. The way the Western Conference is shaping up, outside of the leading OKC Thunder, there are plenty of places up for grabs. The wins have not been convincing as no margin of victory has exceeded 10 points. For now, they need to build the cohesion and confidence as a team they had sorely been lacking.
The next eight outings include more games against the lowly Brooklyn Nets and Wizards, in addition to a pair of meetings with the Portland Trail Blazers. If Devin Booker continues his excellent All-Star-like form, there is a good chance the Suns will climb the standings further in the upcoming week.
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