PHILADELPHIA – Devin Booker took over and dominated on Tuesday night against Philadelphia, as his signature mid-range shot flowed with ease and helped Phoenix get a victory over the 76ers.
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix guard Devin Booker (1) drives for a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
For years, Devin Booker carried the Suns like a gravity test. When points were needed, he supplied them. When defenses collapsed, he absorbed the contact. What’s changed now isn’t Booker’s talent, it’s the roster around him which helps propel him. Booker ended up with 23 points and four assists, and is truly benefitting from all of Phoenix’s offensive firepower.
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Why Devin Booker has success with this current Suns roster:
Elite scorers in the NBA become more efficient when usage drops slightly and assist opportunities rise. When the Suns surround Booker with legitimate scoring threats, it not only takes the pressure off of him, but it lets Phoenix be able to dictate the tempo through their offense. Alongside Dillon Brooks’ physical shot-making, Grayson Allen’s three-point ability, Jalen Green’s downhill pressure, Collin Gillespie’s connective play, Jordan Goodwin’s all-around play, Booker’s game breathes. The Suns benefited greatly from his sharpened shot selection while his decision-making accelerated.
Devin Booker appears to be pleased Jalen Green is back. pic.twitter.com/ufPhaCiz0c
— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) January 21, 2026
Jan 20, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Phoenix guard Booker warms up before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
This isn’t about Booker needing help. It’s about defenses losing leverage. When opponents can’t load up on one option, Booker punishes them from the midrange, in catch-and-shoot situations, and as a secondary creator. Tracking data shows his efficiency spikes when at least two teammates score in double figures, forcing defensive rotations instead of traps. Stars play freer when they trust the floor. Booker no longer has to force rhythm; it comes to him. For Suns fans, this is the blueprint, as it seems the best version of Devin Booker isn’t the one that has to do everything. It’s the one doing exactly what the moment demands, because everyone else can, too.
Phoenix Suns’ bench shines as they lead 76ers at halftime in a tight contest
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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
