Phoenix Suns Devin Booker etched another record in the annals of the National Basketball Association (NBA) history. The sophomore guard became the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 38 points in two consecutive games.
Devin Booker scored 38 points in an overtime win against the New Orleans Pelicans last Friday, including a buzzer-beating baseline jumper to send the game to overtime. The next game, Booker struggled in the first half before finishing with 39 points in a losing effort versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
4-time NBA MVP LeBron James and 5-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant didn't accomplish the feat until they were 20 years and 348 days, and 22 years and 95 days, respectively. Devin Booker, the Former University of Kentucky Wildcat, did it just a week after his 20th birthday.
In an interview with azcentral, Devin Booker said, "It's about wins and losses." The Suns currently has a 2 and 5 record. "Maybe later in my career, I can look back on things like that but now I'm in the mindset where I am ready to get wins. Everybody looks good when you win and that's what we are trying to do. Scoring as many points as you want and not making the playoffs is not a good look so my ultimate goal is to make the playoffs."
Tom Chambers was the last Phoenix Suns player to score at least 38 points in consecutive games. The Suns legend did it during the 1989-90 season.
Before the 2016-17 season started, NBA GMs picked Devin Booker as the player who is most likely to have a breakout season in 2016-17. Through 7 games this season, Devin Booker is ranked 12th in scoring with 23 points per game, tied with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, and just behind reigning league MVP, Stephen Curry.
It will be interesting to see how the season will unfold for Devin Booker. Already the focal point of the Phoenix Suns' offense, opposing teams defense will likely shift their focus on the young phenom. But if the past two games are any indication of Devin Booker's, the future of the Phoenix Suns look very bright indeed.
