Devin Booker suited up for Team USA’s “Stars” squad this afternoon and delivered the kind of performance that doesn’t always grab headlines-but wins games. In a three-game round-robin against Team World and Team Stripes, Booker and Team Stars went 2-1, ultimately securing the event’s championship in convincing fashion.
Let’s talk about what made this outing classic “Olympic Book.” He wasn’t hunting shots or chasing MVP honors. Instead, Booker leaned into the do-it-all role that helped Team USA capture gold not long ago-defending, facilitating, and stepping up when the moment called for it.
Final stat line: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 5-of-13 from the field in 27 minutes. Oh, and a game-best +33. That plus-minus doesn’t lie-when Booker was on the floor, Team Stars controlled the game.
Game 1: Overtime Grit
Booker started alongside Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Anthony Edwards, and Jalen Duren. Right out of the gate, he hit his first three-point attempt-smooth, in rhythm.
After missing his next two, he shifted gears and found other ways to impact the game. One of the early highlights?
A slick assist to Anthony Edwards, a connection that could have big implications this summer when both suit up for the Olympic squad.
The first matchup against Team World went to overtime. Booker didn’t dominate the ball, but he made timely plays, including a strong second stint where he added another bucket, grabbed a board, and dished out three more assists. The game ended on a Scottie Barnes triple, sealing a 5-3 win for Team Stars.
Game 2: A Buzzer-Beater Loss
Team Stars dropped their second game in dramatic fashion, falling at the buzzer to Team Stripes. That set the stage for a high-stakes rematch in the final-and Booker was ready.
Game 3: Statement Win in the Finals
The championship game was anything but close. Team Stars came out firing and never looked back, blowing out Team Stripes 47-21.
Booker opened the scoring with a three, then followed it up with a crafty assist to Maxey and a composed finish in the paint. What stood out wasn’t just the buckets-it was the poise.
Booker played with the kind of calm that settles a team, that veteran presence you want in a big game.
He didn’t force shots. He didn’t need to. Instead, he read the floor, made the right passes, and let the game come to him-just like he did during the Olympic run.
NBC’s broadcast gave him his flowers, calling him an “unsung hero” of Team USA’s gold-medal campaign. That praise felt fitting again today. While Anthony Edwards took home MVP honors, Booker’s fingerprints were all over this win.
He may not have been the loudest on the stat sheet, but make no mistake-Devin Booker was one of the biggest reasons Team Stars walked away with the trophy.