Devin Booker can’t do it all, Suns lose 2nd in a row

Mar 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives past Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) in the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Phoenix Suns have now lost five of their past six games after falling to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The game snapped a two-season winning streak against the Lakers, whom the Suns have beaten in the past nine meetings.

While they attempted to mount a comeback throughout the entire second half, each run came just a bit short, and they could never get the defensive stop they needed.

Devin Booker put up 33 points and grabbed six rebounds; however, without Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton, Booker was left without much help.

After Phoenix pulled within one point in the fourth quarter, Booker was taken out for a couple of minutes. As a result, Los Angeles pulled away with the game.

Devin Booker finished with a +/- of 0, Chris Paul finished with a -16, and Bismack Biyombo ended with a -13.

The Suns tried to give Devin Booker a couple minutes of rest in the 4th and they lost because of it.

This team cannot survive without him. He’s all they have.

— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) March 23, 2023

Devin Booker tonight:

33 PTS
6 REB
5 AST
11-16 FG

His 8th 30-point game in March. pic.twitter.com/Y6BVEUki8m

— Booker Muse ✪ (@DevinBookerMuse) March 23, 2023

Devin Booker facing teams' 2nd-best defenders once Kevin Durant comes back is gonna be so unfair

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 23, 2023

https://twitter.com/iVividz/status/1638761113583226881?s=20

And there was plenty of discussion surrounding the controversial calls that flooded the game.

By the time the final whistle blew, the Lakers had shot 46 free throws, compared to just 20 for the Suns.

I hate the Suns don’t get it twisted- but Devin Booker (top 15 player in the league) doesn’t get this call and AUSTIN REAVES gets this call.

The Lakers have shot TWENTY SEVEN free throws in the first half compared to 8 by the Suns. https://t.co/SRjk1TcxsB pic.twitter.com/ThCzuolN8r

— WolvesFever (@WolvesFever) March 23, 2023

Initially called a foul on Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt complains, call is changed, Suns have to use their challenge, challenge successful.

All I want is for Devin Booker to get an ounce of respect from officials.pic.twitter.com/fW5ClVKoPx

— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) March 23, 2023

And it would be an understatement to say that Phoenix is in dire need of Kevin Durant’s return.

I completely get the frustration of Suns not being able to cement their current playoff standing, but man, seeing some of the analysis on here, I feel the need to remind everyone Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton *might* make a difference in what we're currently seeing

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 23, 2023

Why did Kevin Durant have to get injured man as soon I celebrated booker more open spacing that happens

— ᴱᵛᵃⁿ 🫥 (@OfficialEvanAZ) March 23, 2023

Remember when people were saying this Suns team is a super team cause Kevin Durant moves the needle that much? Yeah this team has too many flaws, 3rd best roster at best fully healthy in the West. Kevin Durant and Booker gonna have to do miracles in the postseason

— KDprime (@forthefacts) March 23, 2023

Booker getting clamped by Vanderbilt
AR foul baiting all game
Our bench reeks
Chris Paul is a cone on defense
NO KEVIN DURANT
Pain. pic.twitter.com/Ze8piFLgj0

— Honest KD Enjoyer (@TrolledByKD) March 23, 2023

The Suns next game will be this Friday against the #3-seeded Sacramento Kings. Phoenix now only holds a .5 lead in the 4th spot over the Warriors in the Western Conference.