PHOENIX — When adversity hits, franchise players are expected to rise to the occasion, and Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker did just that Saturday, responding to a season-opening loss with a historic home opener that has fans talking.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives on Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Coming off a disappointing 124-83 loss Thursday to the Portland Trail Blazers to start the season, the Suns were left with questions about what went wrong and how they could clean things up on both ends of the floor. Booker specifically called the lopsided loss a “wake-up” call after posting 23 points but finishing with a minus-43.
Just days later, Booker responded in front of the home crowd where he’s played for over a decade.
Despite a slow start against the Golden State Warriors, the Suns found their rhythm, showing greater cohesion on both ends of the floor than they did in Portland. The team looked more like the group it had worked all summer to become, and as Phoenix settled into the game, Booker gradually found his shooting rhythm and didn’t look back.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Booker finished with 43 points, setting a franchise record for the most points scored in a home opener, along with seven rebounds and seven assists. He shot 17-for-25 from the field and 2-for-7 from beyond the arc. His ability to create offense for himself and his teammates helped lead Phoenix to a 131-122 win over Golden State.
Booker’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by fans, many of whom had hoped to see him bounce back after the loss to Portland. The guard delivered more than just that.
I want y’all to put the word out.
Devin Booker is back
— CR Andy 🦖☀️ (@SCFGOAT) October 25, 2026
Devin Booker doing Devin Booker things! 🔥 ☀️ 🏀 https://t.co/KgsE83tvpm
— Shane 🏳️🌈 (@Charlegend94) October 25, 2026
VINTAGE DEVIN BOOKER…
DB15 HAS ARRIVED 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/rUxESb9zUF
— Adam ⭐️☀️ (@AdamGraps) October 25, 2026
A whole lotta people on this app talking the other day about “Devin Booker lost a step”. I promise you I did not forget.
— Sibbs (@MTV_Sibbs) October 25, 2026
Now comes the next part: making sure these nights become more consistent. Booker isn’t expected to break records every night, but he is expected to contribute and lead the club to wins. Saturday’s victory showed that he still has what it takes to lead Phoenix offensively, but the challenge will be maintaining that level of production throughout the season.
Oct 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) is introduced before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Booker’s 43-point night offered a glimpse of what the team can accomplish when its franchise star finds his rhythm. After the questions that followed the season-opening loss, his historic home opener gave fans plenty to celebrate — and a performance to remember as they look ahead to what’s next.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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