INDIANAPOLIS – The Phoenix Suns didn’t just beat the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. They put on a display with something that has historically defined their best stretches of basketball, which is a locked-in Devin Booker.
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Mar 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) reacts during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Devin Booker goes off for the Suns on Thursday night against Pacers:
Booker poured in 43 points in Phoenix’s win, delivering the type of performance that shifts the emotional gravity of a team. Every contender has a moment late in the season when identity clarifies. For the Suns, this felt like one of those nights. With Dillon Brooks sidelined by injury, Phoenix needed scoring stability and leadership. Booker provided both, alongside Jalen Green who dropped 36 points of his own, providing a one-two offensive punch for Phoenix.
Mar 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Phoenix guard Jalen Green (4) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
What made the performance stand out wasn’t just volume scoring. It was control. Booker dictated tempo, picked his spots, and forced Indiana’s defense into impossible choices: collapse and surrender open looks, or stay home and watch him operate in the midrange. For Suns fans, the encouraging part is the timing.
Mar 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff (32) shoots the ball while Phoenix guard Jalen Green (4) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Booker’s 43-point night comes as Phoenix navigates injuries and rotation adjustments. Jalen Green has started to get more offensive responsibility and has recently been efficient, and the pairing with Booker is beginning to show signs of rhythm rather than experimentation. However, Booker has long been Phoenix’s emotional barometer. When he attacks early, the roster follows. Thursday’s performance carried that familiar energy with urgency, confidence, and control. That’s why the 43 points matter beyond the box score. For a Suns team searching for late-season momentum, it was a reminder of the simplest formula in Phoenix. When Devin Booker is rolling, everything else tends to fall into place.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
