The Phoenix Suns have made progress of their quest to flee the Play-In Event, and Devin Booker is an enormous purpose why.
Booker dropped 52 factors on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday evening in a 124-111 win for the Suns. He made 19 of 28 photographs with 9 assists and three rebounds, whereas additionally setting a brand new a career-high in three-pointers with eight. Thirty-seven of these 52 factors got here within the first half. He was on fireplace.
This was the third straight recreation towards the Pelicans by which Booker has scored no less than 50 factors. He dropped 52 factors on them when the Suns and Pels final confronted off on Jan. 19. Earlier than that, Booker hadn’t performed them since Dec. 17, 2022, when he scored a cool 58 factors. In response to Elias Sports activities, there is just one different participant in NBA historical past to attain 50+ factors in three straight video games towards the identical opponent: Wilt Chamberlain.
FIFTY.
Guide has scored 50+ for his third straight recreation towards the Pelicans, becoming a member of Wilt Chamberlain as the one gamers in NBA historical past with 50+ factors in three straight towards an opponent (through @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/mErlcHEQF3
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 2, 2024
Booker’s efficiency helped the Suns nail down a win they desperately wanted. They have been trailing the sixth-place Pelicans within the standings, and Monday evening’s win helped them achieve floor. They’re now only one recreation again of the sixth spot with 14 left to play — together with one other recreation towards New Orleans on April 7.
Booker’s 50-piece did extra than simply assist the Suns. It additionally helped the Minnesota Timberwolves. All they wanted to clinch a top-six playoff spot was a Pelicans loss on Monday, and Booker delivered. Possibly they’re going to deliver a present basket for him after they journey to Phoenix to play the Suns on Friday.