LOS ANGELES – As the Suns get ready for their first road game of the season, Phoenix will be facing off against some familiar faces in Bradley Beal and Chris Paul, and Suns SG Devin Booker is excited for the opportunity.
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Dec 7, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) and Paul (3) against the Boston Celtics at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
When Devin Booker takes the floor now, the echoes of past rosters ripple in the background. Facing off against his former teammates, Bradley Beal and Chris Paul heighten that dynamic. The new Clippers duo are a mirror of what might have been. Suns fans also more recently have a bad taste in their mouth after how Beal’s time in Phoenix hurt more than it helped. Booker spoke with AZCentral’s Duane Rankin and mentioned tonight’s matchup was one he was looking forward to playing.
Devin Booker on playing against his former Suns teammates:
“Feels more futuristic.”
Devin Booker on playing at Intuit Dome as Suns played the 1st regular season game ever in the $2 billion arena last season.
On playing against former Suns Bradley Beal and Chris Paul: “Something I’m looking forward to.” #Suns #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/VBttmUTofd
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 24, 2025
That data frames the matchup that it isn’t about old bonds, it’s about performance, legacy, and operational fit. The emotional weight is real for Phoenix fans. The “what ifs” of Paul’s departure, the detrimental Beal trade, and the promise of a “big three” all hang in the air. This game is a chance for Booker to show he isn’t just the utility guy in someone else’s plan, but the architect of his own. Furthermore, national audiences see it as a test for how teams build around star guards who evolve into leaders.
Oct 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Beal (3) and Booker (1) against the Los Angeles Lakers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
How Booker controls the tempo when the stakes rise, his assist-to-turnover ratio, pick-and-roll decision making, and off-ball reads will be paramount to facing the Clippers. Another important aspect will be how Beal and Paul exploit mismatches by the use of Beal’s scoring instincts and Paul’s veteran orchestration. The Suns’ structural decisions will be a huge part. Are they still leaning guard-heavy and vulnerable, or have they balanced around Booker’s evolution? After having a slow start in their season opener against the Kings, if Phoenix cleans up its play and addresses these issues, the Suns could find themselves having a big night in Los Angeles.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoe nix guard Beal (3) and guard Booker (1) react on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
