Facts About Devin Booker’s Career You Probably Didn’t Know
Devin Booker’s NBA career is full of moments that showcase his skill and determination. He set scoring records at a young age and became a key figure for the Phoenix Suns with nothing but hard work and consistency. His career follows a trajectory that shows his overall growth as a player. Let’s explore the highlights that define his impressive career so far.
Back-to-Back 50-Point Games
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Scoring 50 points in consecutive NBA games is incredibly rare, even for players who’ve been around for some time. Having said that, during the 2018–19 season, Booker became the youngest player to achieve this at just 22 years old. His back-to-back performances showed his skill set and his ability to adapt to different defensive strategies.
Phoenix Suns Scoring Records
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It’s impressive for a player so young to climb franchise leaderboards as quickly as Booker has. Today, he ranks as the Suns’ second all-time leading scorer. He’s also set records for the most points in a single game and in a single quarter. For a team with a history of stars like Charles Barkley and Steve Nash, Booker’s accomplishments feel like a bridge to a new era of greatness.
NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2016
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Booker’s rookie season was a clear signal of his potential. Despite being the 13th overall pick, he stood out enough to be named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He became the first Suns player to earn this recognition since Amar’e Stoudemire, which proved that his draft position didn’t define his ceiling.
Scoring Milestones at a Young Age
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Devin Booker has consistently hit scoring milestones ahead of schedule. He became one of the youngest players to reach 1,000 career points during his rookie season. Later, he joined an elite group as the fourth-youngest player to score 7,000 career points, a list that includes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony.
Impactful Playoff Debut
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When the Suns reached the playoffs in 2021, Booker didn’t need time to adjust to the postseason. He scored 34 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, immediately proving he could handle the heightened intensity of playoff basketball. Later in the same series, he put up 47 points to eliminate the Lakers.
Leading the Suns to the NBA Finals
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The Suns’ run to the NBA Finals in 2021 was largely powered by Booker’s performances. He scored 40 or more points in back-to-back games during the Finals, a rare accomplishment that put him in an exclusive group of players.
Unbeaten in the 2020 NBA Bubble
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The 2020 NBA Bubble may have been unconventional, but Booker thrived under the unique circumstances. He led the Suns to an 8–0 record, including a buzzer-beater over Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, to prove that he could take on the best in the league.
Gold Medal Winner with Team USA
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Representing your country is a dream for any athlete, and Booker seized the opportunity with Team USA. He won gold medals at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympics and earned praise for his versatility and unselfish play. Coach Steve Kerr even called him the “unsung MVP” of the team—a tribute to his value beyond scoring.
Four-Time All-Star Selection
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Being named an All-Star recognizes a player’s impact on the league. Booker has earned that honor four times, which has helped place him among the NBA’s elite. Notably, his All-Star appearances have often featured him excelling against the league’s top talent.
Commitment to the Phoenix Suns
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Booker’s commitment to the Suns has been evident through the long-term contracts he’s signed. In 2018, he agreed to a five-year, $158 million extension to establish his place as the team’s cornerstone. He reaffirmed that commitment in 2022 with a four-year, $224 million extension to make sure that he remains the centerpiece of the Suns’ future plans.
Cover Athlete for NBA 2K23
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In 2022, Booker’s stardom reached new heights when he was chosen as a cover athlete for NBA 2K23. The honor placed him alongside the likes of Michael Jordan, who shared the spotlight that year. It was a fitting acknowledgment of his growing influence both on and off the court.
Breaking Records in Multiple Arenas
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Booker’s scoring feats extend beyond the Suns’ home court. Over his career, he has set single-game scoring records in multiple NBA arenas, including Boston’s TD Garden and Indianapolis’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Consistent High-Scoring Performances
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Scoring 60 points in an NBA game is a rare feat, but doing it multiple times puts a player in a league of their own. Booker’s ability to put up such numbers really depicts his complete offensive skill set, from shooting to finishing at the rim.
Shaped by His Father’s Influence
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Love for basketball practically runs in Booker’s DNA. His basketball journey began long before his professional career with the guidance of his father, Melvin Booker, who himself was a former professional player. Growing up, Devin learned the fundamentals of the game and the importance of preparation from his father.
High School Recognition
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Before making waves in the NBA, Booker was already making a name for himself in high school by competing in high-profile camps like the LeBron James Skills Academy and the Kevin Durant Skills Academy. While there, he gained valuable experience against the best young players in the country. These opportunities prepared him for the challenges of playing at the highest level.
Three-Point Contest Champion
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In 2018, Booker showcased his shooting ability by winning the NBA Three-Point Contest. Scoring a record 28 points in the final round, he outshined competitors like Klay Thompson. The win was a reminder of Booker’s precision and range, qualities that make him one of the league’s most dangerous shooters.
