Suns star Devin Booker is ready to produce in the playoffs after Phoenix’s six-year postseason drought, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic writes.
“It’s been a long journey since I’ve been here,” Booker said. “A full six years to get to this point and I know it’s been even longer for the city of Phoenix and this organization to get to this point. So I don’t want to take these opportunities for granted. We gave the fans what they wanted with a playoff berth and now, we want to give them even more of what they asked for.”
Booker is looking to create something special in Phoenix, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in a Game 1 victory over the Lakers on Sunday. The team will host Game 2 on Tuesday.
There’s more out of the Western Conference tonight:
- Suns guard Chris Paul sustained a right shoulder contusion in the club’s game against the Lakers, the team announced (Twitter link). Paul appeared to be in significant pain before exiting for the locker room. He later returned for a brief stint, exited again and returned to finish the game. With Phoenix up 1-0 in the series, it’s an injury to monitor as the team looks to take a 2-0 lead this week.
- The Warriors owe Stephen Curry more next season, says Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. Golden State failed to make the playoffs despite an excellent season from Curry, who averaged a league-best 32 points per game on 48% shooting from the floor and 42% shooting from deep.
- Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman examines why veteran big man Mike Muscala wanted to stay with the Thunder this season. Oklahoma City shut down Muscala and teammate Al Horford to focus on its young core late in the season, but Muscala had no interest in leaving the team. “I’m going to get a little emotional probably,” he said as part of a larger quote. “But coming to OKC, it was just like — I’m grateful for it, and it helped me a lot as a man and as a player.”
MTII comin in with the straight up facts. His takes are always elite, agreed with every single thing he said here.
Booker looks good and in control. Chris has been good for him. You can see he has picked up from him. He’s got a smooth gm. And his ast and court awareness has stepped up. Definitely becoming elite. Chris was definitely hurt. Not the same after the hit. Bron is such a drama Queen. Chris just gotta rest and get well. I can’t see LA winning this series. Unless Chris is out.
Remember Lakers first game vs Denver last year….. best not to wake up the bear…
What bear? The Suns were far from being 100% and still won easily.
The Lakers will be lucky just to a game or two against Phoenix.
You literally posted this exact same thing twice last year when they went down to Portland and Houston. LeBron’s record in game 1s is shakey and he takes over as the series goes on. But of course the sheep will sound the alarm. I hate to tell you this but everything went wrong for the Lakers today and they lost by 9 points. Yeah Lakers will lose if they go 4/15 from 3 all series. Bank on that I’m sure it will happen.
Said before the series Booker needs to take it up a notch if Phoenix is winning this one.
Well he was up a notch yesterday. On top of that LeBron still doesn’t look 100%. Either Father Time has finally caught up with him or that ankle is still rickety (or both).
Too bad players on non-playoff teams never win the MVP unless their name is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And Steph Curry will never be Kareem, or even Lou Alcindor.
Steph Curry has two MVPs and more rings thaN Harden, Westbrook, Paul, Wall and Wood COMBINED
Also, I believe he has as many as the entire Rockets organization does.
Sure he does, for now. But Harden, Wall, and Wood could easily get more than three rings between them before their careers are over.
You do know harden isn’t on the rockets anymore, right?????
“For now”… “could”… you’re a real peach.
If Wall takes a buyout and takes a minimum deal as a backup PG in Brooklyn I agree, he could get a ring or two.
Cmon Wally, comparing Curry to Jabbar is like comparing Jerry Rice to Ronnie Lott. Dumb.
Booker finally became a good player last year when they had some higher IQ players, and more balance on the floor for them, which was an issue previously. This year, upgrading with Chris Paul, and their versatility on the wings/at the 4 really made them an elite team, which in turn makes Booker much better
Oubre & Rubio out and Crowder & Paul in, is a increase of experience more than versatility.
Booker & Mikal keep improving is the main thing. Few flaws. Ayton & Saric are a step slow in reacting, but are still committed to winning/sacrificing.
Glad the Suns got the win. Even as the league is rigging the series for the Lakers hopefully the Suns will prove doubters wrong.
Everything rides on Chris Paul’s body.
EVERYTHING.
In a Game 7, today’s LeBron is subject to go vintage 2010 LeBron.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure today’s LeBron can get you TO a Game 7.
He’s not healthy (enough).
JVG/MJ credited James Jones for the Sun’s rise, so far so good… But said he surrounded his stars with toughness and shooting. How oblivious. Jones started with intelligence a couple years ago. They were referring to Crowder I assume, but he was a later add, and does not refute the smarts angle.