On Christmas Day, the Phoenix Suns faced their third consecutive loss, succumbing to the Dallas Mavericks with a final score of 128-114, marred by another challenging fourth-quarter performance.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After the game, Suns’ Devin Booker openly acknowledged responsibility for the team’s recent struggles.
When questioned about potential concerns regarding a snowball effect, Booker calmly responded, “No, we just have to get it together. You know, that’s on me, that’s on coach, that’s on KD, Eric, all the leaders that we have in here to make sure we’re more prepared to come to play.”
Video credits to Duane Rankin at AZCentral.
Devin Booker said it's on him, Frank Vogel, Kevin Durant and Eric Gordon. leaders on the team to turn this season around. #Suns now 14-15 after loss to #Mavs. pic.twitter.com/52uS2H0Wz1
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 26, 2023
Against Dallas, Booker scored just 20 points on 6-14 shooting. Since starting the season on a scorching hot 30 points per game throughout the first 9 games, Booker is averaging close to 25 over the Suns past 11.
In this stretch, Phoenix holds a 3-8 record, illustrating how crucial Booker is to their success. The statistical correlation between Booker’s scoring output and the team’s success is evident, with the Suns boasting a 1-4 record in games where Booker scores less than 25 points this season.
While attributing the team’s sub-.500 record solely to Booker would be unwarranted, the acknowledgment of his pivotal role in the locker room underscores the heightened expectations placed on the Suns’ star player.
Right now, the Suns need their veteran leader to step up more than ever.
