Phoenix Suns’ guard Devin Booker made a promise to Phoenix when he was a rookie. Today, he kept his word.
LOS ANGELES — He stood behind the arc, got into his rhythm and the rest was history. Devin Booker torched his competitors, Tobias Harris of the Los Angeles Clippers and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors.
This wasn’t just an event Booker is doing to expand his brand. He promised the city of Phoenix that he would bring them something to be proud of and that’s exactly what he did. Booker shot his way into history and scored an event-record 28 points.
“It means a lot,” Booker said. “Like I said, it’s been unconditional love since day one since I’ve been in Phoenix. Obviously, all three years I’ve been in the NBA we haven’t exceeded the expectations that we’ve set for ourselves.”
Booker admitted that it has been trying times during his tenure in Phoenix. But, he sees All-Star Break as an opportunity to represent the Suns’ fanbase and making them proud by winning the competition.
“Our season hasn’t been the brightest part of our year, obviously. So I know the fans have been behind us 100% throughout the whole time. So I know they’re going to be excited about this, get to bring home the three-point championship since I think they told me 2004-2005, so it’s kind of a big deal,” Booker said.
Booker’s Preparation :
Prior to the competition, a video leaked of Booker shooting threes as two members of the Suns’ staff with their arms stretched out like a basketball rack. But, Booker says that this year he did not do anything extra this time around.
“Yeah, my preparation was none. My rookie year I stayed at the gym extra, shot off the rack a lot more. This time I just got here, practiced before I went out there and ended up coming out with the win,” Booker said.
Booker mentioned the importance of having his name associated with legends of the three-point contest. He says having his name thrown around with them means a lot to him.
“I mean, it’s a big deal, I’d say, knowing the history of the three-point shootout, all of the legends of the game that have been in it from Peja Stojakovic, Larry Bird. I’m glad my name can be mentioned with those guys. But like I said, I’m happy to get the win,” Booker said.
Booker will enjoy the rest of All-Star week and then start preparing for his next regular season game which will be this coming Friday.
“For me, All-Star Weekend is a good time to get away from the season. Now it’s time to lick back in, get ready for the season, and finish out the year strong,” Booker said.
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