The Phoenix Suns have been on quite a roll since the All-Star break, posting a 4-1 record in their last five games. While the competition level might not have been the toughest, the Suns deserve credit, especially considering the injuries and increased minutes for younger players.
The emergence of talents like Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, Haywood Highsmith, and Amir Coffey has been a pleasant surprise. Head coach Jordan Ott’s strategic use of these players has been key, but the real game-changer?
Devin Booker is back in action.
Booker’s return from injury has been the stabilizing force Phoenix needed, sparking a three-game winning streak. He may not always grab the spotlight with flashy plays like his teammate Jalen Green, but his consistent mid-range game has been crucial for a team that struggled to score in February.
Since his return, Booker’s efficiency is climbing back to familiar heights. Despite a dip in his scoring and three-point percentages earlier this season, the Suns kept winning.
How? Booker’s embraced a facilitator role, leveraging his scoring threat to open up opportunities for teammates.
His 6.1 assists per game have been pivotal, allowing others to shine and reducing the need for him to drop 30 points every night.
Concerns about over-reliance on Booker’s scoring have been put to rest. Even with his earlier efficiency struggles, the team thrived.
Now, Booker is finding his groove again. In the last five games, he’s averaged 26.6 points, shooting 42% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 94% from the free-throw line.
His three-point shooting, once a concern at 30.8%, is climbing back up, now at 32%, inching toward his career average.
As the Suns gear up for the postseason, Booker’s resurgence couldn’t be better timed. His ability to control the game with his mid-range prowess and calm under pressure is what makes him a game-changer. He’s silencing the critics and making a strong case for All-NBA consideration.
With Booker returning to form, the Suns’ potential in the postseason looks promising. The mid-range maestro is back, ready to change the momentum with a single jumper, and the Suns are poised to make some noise.