After a disappointing start to their hopeful 2023 playoff run, the Suns took four in a row to end the first-round series against the Clippers early.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Devin Booker went on an absolute tear; after tonight’s performance, he surpassed Charles Barkley for the most 30-plus point playoff performances by a Suns’ player with 17.
And that was not even the only accomplishment Booker had on his career-defining night.
FRANCHISE RECORD.
Congrats, @DevinBook, on recording the most 40+ point postseason games in Phoenix Suns history! pic.twitter.com/FFQ14McZAb
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 26, 2023
The Suns entered halftime trailing by nine, but thanks to a 25-point 3rd quarter by D-Book, Phoenix at one point went on a remarkable 18-0 run, ultimately putting the game a little too far out of reach. This is despite an impressive attempt to send the game into overtime by the Clippers.
Booker outscored the Clippers 25-24 in the 3rd and only missed one shot in 11 attempts. One of the greatest quarters in NBA playoff history.
DEVIN BOOKER THROUGH 3 QUARTERS:
41 POINTS
8 ASSISTS
6 REBOUNDS
74% FG
60% 3P
100% FTSPECIAL. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/QEa7DaA8az
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 26, 2023
Devin Booker’s bag is INSANE pic.twitter.com/PnV6xbMWVT
— andrew leezus (@AndrewLeezus) April 26, 2023
This is what Devin Booker’s statue in front of Footprint Center is going to look like. pic.twitter.com/uH4uNKQNvK
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) April 26, 2023
Thankfully, Devin Booker came out of the halftime locker room and said, "Enough." Made 10-11 shots in the 3rd quarter. He's even beyond Jimmy Butler as a shotmaker because he has more range. BRING ON THE NUGGETS.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 26, 2023
Devin Booker isn’t just better than your favorite player, he’s better than your favorite team. pic.twitter.com/YQvzz32bqB
— Suns Are Better (@SunsAreBetter) April 26, 2023
Devin Booker is the best in the world right now
— andrew leezus (@AndrewLeezus) April 26, 2023
There has not been a single player better in the first round of these playoffs than Devin Booker
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) April 26, 2023
Let him cook!!! @DevinBook #PhoenixSuns pic.twitter.com/bnsx5WPlnU
— SeeYouInPluto (@JHERRERA52) April 26, 2023
Overall, fans were excited to finally see a breakout night from the Suns’ offense. However, many would have appreciated it if they had closed the door a bit earlier.
The Clippers were just one made three-pointer away late in the fourth quarter from taking the lead.
Nevertheless, a win is a win…
Suns made me anxious just to troll we move pic.twitter.com/YZIcjHU3cZ
— 🐸 (@HonestABFan) April 26, 2023
@ Suns pic.twitter.com/D1yBCkbfNd
— Playoff RB (@RyB_311) April 26, 2023
Suns fans seeing the Clippers pull within 2 points: pic.twitter.com/ldQsKLLWvk
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) April 26, 2023
Suns duo tonight:
Booker — Durant —
47 PTS 31 PTS
8 REB 6 REB
10 AST 4 AST
2 STL 1 STL
19-27 FG 10-19 FGTHE REAL KINGS OF LA‼️ pic.twitter.com/XDP0IFgKJ6
— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) April 26, 2023
The Suns will now move on to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they will meet the #1 seed Denver Nuggets. The two teams split the season series against each other 2-2.
Game One of the series will be on Saturday, time is still undetermined.
