Devin Armani Booker (born October 30, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, helping lead the team to a 38–1 record and winning SEC Sixth Man of the Year. Booker was selected by the Suns in the first round of the 2015 NBA draft with the 13th overall pick and debuted with the team at 18 years old. In 2017, at 20 years old, he became the youngest player to score over 60 points in a game, finishing with a Suns franchise record 70 against the Boston Celtics.[1] In 2019, at 22 years old, Booker became the youngest player in NBA history with consecutive 50-point games.[2]

Devin Booker
No. 1 – Phoenix Suns
PositionPoint guard / shooting guard
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (1996-10-30) October 30, 1996 (age 28)
Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight206 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school
CollegeKentucky (2014–2015)
NBA draft2015: 1st round, 13th overall pick
Selected by the Phoenix Suns
Playing career2015–present
Career history
2015–presentPhoenix Suns
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2020 Tokyo Team
Gold medal – first place 2024 Paris Team

The son of former basketball player Melvin Booker, Devin is a four-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA member, and helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021. The following season, he was named to the All-NBA First Team and helped lead the Suns to a franchise record of 64 wins. He is currently second on the team's all-time leading scorer list.[3] Booker has also won gold medals with the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Olympic teams.

Early life

Booker is the son of Veronica Gutiérrez, a cosmetologist,[4] and Melvin Booker, who was named the 1994 Big Eight Player of the Year while a point guard at Missouri.[5][6] His parents met while his father was playing basketball for the Continental Basketball Association's Grand Rapids Hoops in Gutiérrez's hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.[7] Booker was born and raised in Grand Rapids, living with his mother, who is of Mexican descent[4][8] while his African-American father pursued a professional basketball career internationally.[9][10] He visited his father regularly during the summer. At age 12 while visiting him in Milan, he played one-on-one with Danilo Gallinari, then teammate of his father's at Olimpia Milano.[4][11] Booker was taught by his father that having basketball IQ was just as important as natural athleticism.[12] During his time in middle school, Booker became friends with future fellow NBA players D'Angelo Russell and Tyler Ulis.[13]

High school career

Sophomore year

After playing for the freshman, junior varsity and varsity basketball teams during his freshman year at Grandville High School in Michigan, Booker moved to Mississippi to live with his father after the latter's retirement from professional basketball.[7] He enrolled at Moss Point High School, where his father was hired as an assistant coach, in August 2011.[6][7][14] In his team's fifth game of the season—a 52–32 loss to Gulfport High School—Booker scored more points (17) than the rest of his teammates combined (15).[15] In December, he hit a buzzer beater from just beyond half court to beat Harrison Central High School, improving Moss Point's record to 4–6 on the year.[16] By early January, Press-Register sportswriter Creg Stephenson opined, "Sophomore guard Devin Booker has developed into one of the top players on the coast in his first season with the [Moss Point] Tigers' varsity, averaging 22.7 points per game."[17]

In the Laurel MLK Shootout, Booker scored 54 points against Northeast Jones High School, falling nine shy of Litterial Green's Moss Point record for most points in a game, set in 1988.[18] He followed up that performance with 32 points, including a game-winning three-pointer, against Murrah High School and was named ESPNHS.com's Southeast Player of the Week.[7] At that time, his father told reporters that Booker was drawing interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Florida, Alabama, Georgetown, Michigan and Missouri.[7]

Booker was limited to just 14 points, with no field goals made in the second half, in a 57–55 win over Gautier High School in the opening round of the Division 7-5A tournament.[19] In the championship game against Pascagoula High School, Booker was held to single-digit scoring (8) for only the second time in the season as Moss Point lost 48–32, setting up an away game with defending state champion Wayne County High School in the first round of the South State playoffs.[20] Wayne County focused their defense on Booker, holding him to a single, first-quarter free throw, en route to a 57–37 victory that ended Moss Point's season.[21] For the year, Booker averaged 22.8 points per game and was named the South Mississippi Player of the Year by the Sun Herald, becoming just the second sophomore to be awarded the honor.[22] In the announcement, the paper reported that Booker held scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Alabama, Georgetown, Michigan and South Alabama.[22]

In the summer following his sophomore year, Booker played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League and participated in the Elite 100 Camp, the LeBron James King's Academy Camp, and the Kevin Durant Nike Skills Camp.[18] These commitments caused him to miss the inaugural South Mississippi All-Star Basketball Showcase in May.[23]

Junior year

With most of Moss Point's experienced players graduating, Booker switched to point guard for his junior year.[18] In an early December game, Booker outscored the entire Ocean Springs High School team 40–39 through three quarters en route to a 48-point finish as Moss Point won 100–55.[24] He followed up this performance with a 30-point outing, including 7 three-pointers, in a win over 54–37 win over Laurel High School in the second annual Melvin Booker Shootout, named in honor of his father.[25] The following week, Booker left a game against Harrison Central High School in the third quarter with a sprained MCL; he had scored just 9 points, but grabbed 7 rebounds.[26]

Booker's injury proved minor, and did not hamper him in Moss Point's next game, where he scored 26 points in a 52–48 loss to Davidson High School in the Jackie Laird Christmas Classic at Biloxi High School.[27][28] On the second day of the Classic, Booker scored a season-high 49 points in an 80–65 win over Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, a performance that added Duke to the list of schools recruiting him.[27][29] In early January, Moss Point went 1–2 in the Poplar Bluff showdown in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, defeating Memphis' Kirby High School but losing to Maplewood Richmond Heights High School and host Poplar Bluff High School.[27] University of Missouri fans attended en masse to cheer for Booker, who averaged 30.2 points over Moss Point's three games, hoping to entice him to play for the Tigers.[27]

Booker scored a game-high 32 points in a 58–56 loss to Gulfport High School, the top-ranked team in Mississippi, in Moss Point's final game before divisional play, dropping the team's record to 6–11.[30] Moss Point went 3–3 in Division 7-5A, finishing the divisional season with a 51–40 victory over Gautier High School.[31] Booker, who struggled with his outside shot due to a wrap on his injured right wrist, hit all 17 of his free throws en route to a game-high 30 points in the win.[31] Moss Point closed out the regular season with a 67–65 loss to Division 5-6A champion Hattiesburg High School, despite 43 points from Booker.[32]

The following week, Moss Point faced a rematch with Gautier in the first round of the Division 7-5A tournament with a spot in the state tournament on the line.[31] Moss Point fell 54–51 in double overtime, ending the team's season at 12–16.[33] Booker scored 35 points in the loss, including 17 free throws.[34] For the year, he averaged 29.7 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game while carrying a 3.81 grade point average.[35] He was named to the Division 7-5A All-Division team and was the division's MVP.[36] In March, he was named the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year for 2013, and in April, he became the second player ever to win the Sun Herald Player of the Year Award in consecutive seasons.[6][37]

By the end of Moss Point's season, Booker held scholarship offers from Duke, North Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, and Mississippi State.[38] Rivals.com ranked him a four-star prospect and the 30th-best player overall in the class of 2014; ESPN tabbed him as the 18th-best player overall.[38] Recruiting analyst Evan Daniels called Booker "one of the best shooters" in the country.[6] In April, Booker began playing for the Alabama Challenge on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League circuit.[39] After watching Booker play for the first time in the league's opening weekend, Kentucky coach John Calipari offered Booker a scholarship.[6] At the South Mississippi All-Star event in May, Booker scored 23 points to lead his East team over the West team 101–70 in the underclassman game.[40]

Senior year

During the summer of 2013, Booker participated in the Kevin Durant Skills Academy, the LeBron James Skills Academy, the CP3 Elite Guard Camp, and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 camp.[39] His fellow participants in the NBPA camp voted him to the camp's 10-man all-star team.[41] Booker also participated against international competition at the Nike Global Challenge.[39] At the Under Armour Elite 24 showcase, he won the three-point shooting contest.[42] In August 2013, Booker narrowed his list of potential college choices to Florida, Missouri, Michigan, Michigan State, and Kentucky.[43] He took an official visit to the University of Kentucky on the weekend of September 9 to watch an alumni exhibition game; fellow 2014 prospects Jahlil Okafor and Tyler Ulis also attended.[44]

Near the beginning of October, his high school coach said Booker would announce his college choice on October 31 after taking official visits to Michigan and Missouri; he also stated that Booker was no longer considering Florida.[45] Booker stated that ESPN had offered him the chance to make his announcement on live television, but he declined, saying he didn't want the pressure of such an event and that he wanted to keep the date flexible to allow his family from Michigan to attend.[46] At an October 31 ceremony at his high school gymnasium, Booker announced he had chosen Kentucky, citing the program's history and his affinity for coach John Calipari as primary factors in his decision.[43][47] He, Tyler Ulis, Karl-Anthony Towns and Trey Lyles all signed National Letters of Intent to play for Kentucky on November 13, the first day of the official signing period.[48]

 
Booker at the 2014 McDonald's All-American Boys Game

In December, Booker's Moss Point team traveled to the Marshall County Hoop Fest in Marshall County, Kentucky, to play Louisville's Ballard High School, the top-rated high school team in the state.[49] Booker led his team in points (40), rebounds (9), and assists (2) while shooting 50% from the field and 20-for-24 from the free throw line, but his team lost the game.[49] Two games later, he scored a season-high 45 points in a 78–67 loss to Alabama's McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in the Melvin Booker Shootout.[50] Although Moss Point lost all three games they played in the late-December HighSchoolOT.com Invitational, Booker's 111 total points over those three games fell just four short of Donald Williams' 1991 record for the event.[51]

Booker's 38-point performance in a January 31 win against Pass Christian High School made him Moss Point's all-time career scoring leader with 2,263 points, surpassing the 2006 mark of 2,251 set by David Booker (no relation).[52] Moss Point won Mississippi's Region 8-4A regular season and tournament championships before ending their season with a 61–56 loss to McComb High School in the Class 4A South State Finals.[53] Booker scored 42 points in the loss, including 26 in the fourth quarter.[54] He averaged 30.9 points per game in his senior season and finished his three-year career at Moss Point with 2,518 points.[53] After the season, he was named to the USA Today All-USA third team.[55]

In the 2014 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game, Booker had a game-high 31 points and was named MVP of the Mississippi team, but his team lost to the Alabama team 90–83.[56] Booker's 31 points tied Othella Harrington's 1992 performance for the most ever scored by a Mississippi player in the event.[57] Booker joined future Kentucky teammates Ulis and Lyles on the West team in the 2014 McDonald's All-American Game, while Towns suited up for the East.[58] He scored a three-point basket in each half and finished with 8 points as the West won 105–102.[59] In March, all four were selected for the Jordan Brand Classic, with Booker and Ulis on the West team and Towns and Lyles playing for the East.[60] In May, Booker participated in the South Mississippi All-Star Basketball Showcase leading the Home team with 43 points, including a three-pointer to send the game into overtime, in a 114–106 win against the Away team.[61] He was named the game's MVP.[61]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Devin Booker
G
Moss Point, MS Moss Point 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Oct 31, 2013 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 93
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 28, 6 (SG)   Rivals: 29  ESPN: 18, 1 (MS), 3 (SG)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Kentucky 2014 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  • "2014 Kentucky Basketball Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  • "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  • "2014 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012.

College career

 
Booker in October 2014

In Kentucky's first exhibition game against the University of Pikeville on November 2, 2014, Booker was the team's second leading scorer with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including two three-pointers; he also had three assists.[62]

After a standout 15-point, 6-rebound, 7-assist game against Boston University, Booker posted a then-season-high 18 points in a November 23 win against Montana State.[63][64] He led the team in scoring, shooting 6-of-8 from the field with 3 three-pointers.[64] In Kentucky's next game against Texas-Arlington, Booker set a new season high with a team-high 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including five made three-pointers, in a 92–44 win.[65]

In 38 games for Kentucky in 2014–15, Booker averaged 10.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21.5 minutes per game.[66] He subsequently earned SEC Sixth Man of the Year honors and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and the All-SEC Second Team.[67]

On April 9, 2015, Booker declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility. He was joined by fellow Kentucky teammates Andrew Harrison, Aaron Harrison, Dakari Johnson, Willie Cauley-Stein, Trey Lyles, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Professional career

Phoenix Suns (2015–present)

On June 25, 2015, Booker was selected as the thirteenth overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2015 NBA draft.[68]

2015–16 season: All-Rookie honors

On July 13, Booker signed his rookie-scale contract with the Suns,[69] and in seven subsequent Summer League games, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He went on to make his NBA debut two days before his 19th birthday, in the Suns' season opener against the Dallas Mavericks. In 21 minutes of action against the Mavericks, he scored 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting in a 111–95 loss.[70]

"We thought he had a lot of potential. We loved his character and work ethic, his size and his shooting ability stood out. I think sometimes when you're on a team with a lot of talent like Devin was at Kentucky, all that talent can do one of two things: it can mask some of your deficiencies if you do lack in some areas. I think in Devin's case, it was the opposite of that."

Ryan McDonough, Suns GM[71]

On January 2, 2016, Booker scored a then season-high 21 points in a 142–119 loss to the Sacramento Kings.[72] On January 19, he scored 32 points in a 97–94 loss to the Indiana Pacers, setting a Suns' rookie record with six three-pointers. Booker became the third-youngest player in NBA history at 19 years, 81 days old to record a 30-point game, behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant, as well as the youngest Suns player to score 30 or more points in a game.[73] Booker participated for Team USA in the 2016 Rising Stars Challenge.[74] He also competed in the NBA All-Star Weekend's Three-Point Contest, becoming the youngest contestant ever to participate in the event and only the fourth rookie to compete in the 30-year-old contest,[75] joining Stephen Curry (2010), Kyle Korver (2004) and Dennis Scott (1991).[76][77] He made it to the final round of the event, where he finished third behind the "Splash Brothers" – Curry and Klay Thompson (winner).[78]

On March 3, Booker scored a then-career-high 34 points in a loss to the Miami Heat,[79] On March 10, Booker recorded a career-high 35 points in a loss to the Denver Nuggets.[80] Throughout the month of March, Booker led all rookies in points (22.4) and assists (4.9) per game.[81] On April 9, with 16 points scored in a 121–100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Booker reached 1,014 for the season, making him the fourth-youngest player to reach 1,000 career points, following only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant, as well as the third-youngest during their rookie season.[82] Booker finished fourth in the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting[83] and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.[84] He became the first Suns player to be named as a member of the All-Rookie Team since Amar'e Stoudemire in 2003.[85]

2016–17 season: Improving as a sophomore

 
Booker in November 2016

During the offseason, Booker trained with head coach Earl Watson and former NBA player Baron Davis at UCLA,[86] was invited to be on the select team that practices against Team USA in preparation for the Summer Olympics,[87] and played two games for the Suns during the Las Vegas Summer League.[88][89] With teammate Eric Bledsoe returning from injury in 2016–17, Booker was retained as the starting shooting guard while Brandon Knight was moved to the bench.[90] Booker scored career highs of 38 points and 39 points on November 4[91] and 6.[92]

On January 12, 2017, he scored 28 fourth-quarter points, in another 39-point night, to set the Suns franchise record for most points in a quarter, previously held by Stephon Marbury's 26 points in 2002.[93] He had a second straight 39-point effort in a two days later[94] to become the youngest player in NBA history to record consecutive games of 39 or more points in the regular season.[95] He was named to the U.S. Team for the 2017 Rising Stars Challenge,[96] and was invited to take part in the 2017 Taco Bell Skills Challenge.[97] On February 4, at 20 years, 97 days old, Booker became the youngest player to score at least 20 points in 16 consecutive games. His 16-game streak is the second-longest by any first-year or second-year player since Vince Carter had a 23-game run as a second-year player during the 1999–2000 season.[98][99]

"What strikes a lot of people about Devin is all the other stuff he can do – he's really developed his ball handling, his pick and roll game, he thinks the game at a high level. But I'll be honest, we had no idea he'd be able to do this much, this quickly. Devin has done unbelievably well not just on the court but representing the franchise in the community as well. He was a bright spot for us in a difficult year."

Ryan McDonough, Suns general manager[100]

On March 24 against the Boston Celtics, Booker became the sixth player in NBA history to score 70 points in a game, joining Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, David Thompson, Elgin Baylor and Kobe Bryant. It was the 11th 70-point game in NBA history. Booker also added eight rebounds and six assists in 45 minutes. Booker, at age 20, became the youngest player to score 70 (and 60) points in a game. He had the highest-scoring game in the NBA since Bryant scored 81 in January 2006.[101] The Suns' previous scoring record was held by Tom Chambers with 60 points on March 24, 1990.[102] Booker ended the season averaging 22.1 points per game, a near 9-point increment from his 13.8 points in 2015–16.

2017–18 season: Injuries

On November 6, 2017, Booker scored 18 points in a 98–92 loss to the Brooklyn Nets to reach 3,000 career points and the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to score 3,000 points, behind LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony.[103] On November 13, a 36-point game and 26th 30-point in his career tied Steve Nash for 15th most in franchise history.[104] Over the Suns' first 17 games of the season, Booker had seven 30-point games. On December 4, Booker scored a season-high 46 points in a 115–101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[105]

On December 6, he was ruled out for up to three weeks after sustaining a left adductor strain the previous night against the Toronto Raptors.[106][107] On December 26, in a 99–97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Booker scored 32 points in his return.[108] Booker then missed four games in early February with a left hip contusion.[109] On February 17, Booker won the Three-Point Contest over Klay Thompson and Tobias Harris in the final round after setting a new record with 28 points.[110]

On March 2, in a 124–116 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Booker scored 39 points and at 21 years, 123 days old, he became the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach 4,000 career points, again behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant.[111] Booker missed the Suns' final 12 games of the season with a right hand sprain.[112][113]

2018–19 season: Franchise player

On July 7, 2018, Booker signed a five-year, $158 million maximum contract extension with the Suns.[114][115]

On September 10, he was ruled out for six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint in his right hand after he jammed it in practice on March 14, 2018.[116][117] He recovered in time for the Suns' season opener on October 17, scoring 35 points in a 121–100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.[118] Throughout the beginning of the season, he had multiple 30-plus-point games despite missing a six-game stretch when he strained his hamstring.[119][120] On January 24, Booker became the fifth-youngest player in NBA history to reach 5,000 career points, behind LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard.[121]

On February 25, he scored 20 points to help the Suns break a franchise-record 17-game losing streak with a 124–121 win over the Miami Heat.[122] On March 25, he scored 59 points in a 125–92 loss to the Utah Jazz.[123][124] On March 27, he scored 50 points in a 124–121 loss to the Wizards, becoming the youngest player in NBA history with consecutive 50-point games. He also became first player in franchise history to reach 50 in back-to-back games.[125] On April 3, in a 118–97 loss to the Jazz, Booker sprained his left ankle, ruling him out for the last three games of the season.[126]

2019–20 season: First All-Star season

On November 23, 2019, Booker almost put up a triple-double with 35 points, a career-high 12 rebounds, and 9 assists in a 100–98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.[127] From December 27, 2019, until January 7, 2020, Booker scored over 30 points in seven straight games, including a 40-point performance in a loss against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 5. This streak broke a franchise record for most consecutive 30-plus-point games in a row, beating a record previously set by Charlie Scott twice and Charles Barkley once.[128] In addition, his streak from December 28 until January 7 made him the only player since the 1983–84 NBA season to record six straight performances of 30-plus points and 6-plus assists with 47% shooting efficiency.[129] On January 28, Booker became the fourth-youngest player to reach 7,000 career points, behind only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony.[130] Booker was named an All-Star on February 13, 2020, as an injury replacement after Damian Lillard suffered an groin strain injury a day earlier. He also replaced Lillard in the Three Point Contest, an event he had previously won, and finished as the runner-up behind Buddy Hield.[131]

In the 2020 NBA Bubble, Booker helped the Suns reached an 8–0 record as of August 11, 2020, holding an 8-game winning streak for the first time since the 2009–10 season. On August 4, Booker hit a fade-away game-winning jumper at the buzzer over Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to lift the Suns to a 117–115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers and bring their record there to 3–0 at the time. On August 11, he scored 35 points, breaking a franchise record set by Walter Davis for the most games of 30-plus points scored with the team, as well as get 9 rebounds and 7 assists in a 130–117 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[132] During his time in the NBA Bubble, Booker was named a nominee for the Seeding Games MVP award (earned for the best overall performance in the NBA's resumed regular season games), as well as earned a spot for one of the All-Seeding Games Teams, averaging 31 points per game during these games.[133]

2020–21 season: First playoff appearance and NBA Finals

On January 22, 2021, Booker reached 8,000 points scored in a 130–126 overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, straining his left hamstring during that overtime.[134][135] He returned to action on February 1, reaching 700 career three-point shots, including a game-winning 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left in the game, to win 109–108 over the Dallas Mavericks.[136] Two days later, Booker passed Dan Majerle for 10th place in the Suns all-time scoring list in a 123–101 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.[137] On February 8, 2021, Booker scored a season-high 36 points in a 119–113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.[138] He later matched his season high for points on February 13 in a 120–111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[139] Booker was then named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the first time in his career on February 15 for the week of February 8–14, 2021,[140] becoming the first Suns player to get the award since Goran Dragić in 2014.[141] On February 24, for the second year in a row, Booker was named an All-Star as an injury replacement, this time to Anthony Davis.[142] He and Chris Paul became the first Suns duo since Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire in 2010 to be named All-Stars.[143] The duo would also help Phoenix clinch their first playoff berth since 2010.[144]

On May 23, Booker would make his NBA playoff debut, posting 34 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists in a 99–90 victory in Game 1 of the First Round over the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.[145] On June 3, Booker recorded a playoff career-high 47 points, along with 11 rebounds to lead the Suns to a 113–100 series-clinching victory over the Lakers in Game 6 to advance to the Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets.[146] In Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets in the Conference Semifinals, Booker dropped 34 points and 11 rebounds in a 125–118 victory, leading the Suns to a 4–0 series sweep over the Nuggets for their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2010.[147] In Game 1 of the Conference Finals, Booker recorded his first career triple-double with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, in a 120–114 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.[148] In Game 6 of the Conference Finals, Booker dropped 22 points in a 130–103 victory over the Clippers, to lead the Suns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.[149]

In Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks, Booker put up 27 points in a 118–105 win.[150] In Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Finals, Booker put up 31 points, shooting 7-for-12 from three-point range, in a 118–108 win, as Phoenix took a 2–0 series lead.[151] On July 14, Booker broke Rick Barry's 54-year-old record of most points in first NBA playoff appearance with 601. Despite the success, the Suns would lose to the Bucks in six games. Booker in his first career playoffs averaged 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, with 45/32/91% shooting, and back-to-back 40-point games in the Finals becoming the third player in NBA history to have back-to-back 40 point games in the Finals.[152]

2021–22 season: Franchise record in wins and All-NBA honors

 
Booker in April 2022

During the 2021–22 NBA season, on November 29, 2021, Booker was named the Player of the Week in the Western Conference for his performance during Week 6 of the season,[153] which helped the Suns achieve a franchise-record 18-game winning streak. He received the honor again on January 17, 2022, for his efforts during Week 13.[154] Booker was named an All-Star along with teammate for the third year in a row alongside teammate Chris Paul when reserves were announced on February 10.[155] That night, he was selected for Team Durant as part of the All-Star Draft. On March 24, 2022, Booker scored a season-high 49 points in a 140–130 road victory over the Denver Nuggets, becoming the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to score 11,000 points.[156] He finished the week averaging 37.3 points and 6.3 assists per game and was named the Week 23 Western Conference Player of the Week.[157] Booker and the Suns finished the regular season with the league's best overall record at 64–18.[158] Booker was also named to the All-NBA First Team, the first in his career.[159]

Booker began the postseason in good form, scoring 56 points during the first two games of the Suns' first-round series against the 8-seeded New Orleans Pelicans, but left Game 2 in the third quarter after suffering what would be diagnosed as a grade 1 hamstring injury.[160] After missing the next three games, Booker returned in the Suns' 115–109 Game 6 road win that clinched the series and an appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals for Phoenix.[161] In the Western Conference Semifinals, the Suns jumped to a 2–0 lead in the series against the Dallas Mavericks before losing in seven games.[162]

2022–23 season: Contract extension

On July 7, 2022, Booker agreed to a four-year, $224 million maximum contract extension with the Suns;[163] the same day, he was announced as one of the cover stars of NBA 2K23.[164] On November 18, Booker scored 49 points alongside eight rebounds and 10 assists in a 134–133 loss to the Utah Jazz.[165] On November 30, Booker scored a then season-high 51 points in just three quarters on 20-of-25 shooting from the field in a 132–113 win over the Chicago Bulls.[166] He was named Western Conference Player of the Month, averaging 29.0 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 5.8 assists per game in October and November.[167] On December 17, Booker scored a season-high 58 points in a 118–114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.[168] He became the sixth-youngest player to reach 12,000 career points trailing only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Tracy McGrady.[169]

On February 7, 2023, Booker returned to the lineup after missing the previous 21 games with a left groin strain. He had 19 points, six assists and four rebounds in a 116–112 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[170] On February 24, Booker put up 25 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in a 124–115 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also made his 1,052nd career three-pointer, surpassing Steve Nash for the most three-pointers made in Suns history.[171] On March 5 against the Dallas Mavericks, Booker scored 36 points on 15-of-25 shooting to go along with five rebounds and 10 assists, lifting the Suns to a 130–126 win. Booker also got into an altercation with Luka Dončić with 3.5 seconds remaining in the game, as they ended up nose-to-nose and were both issued technical fouls.[172] On March 8, Booker scored 44 points on 17-of-23 shooting from the field, including 6-of-10 from the three-point range in a 132–101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.[173] He also became the first player in Suns history to have four straight games with at least 35 points.[174]

In Game 3 of the Suns’ first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Booker scored 45 points in a 129–124 win, to lead Phoenix to a 2–1 series lead. He tied Charles Barkley's franchise record for most 40-point playoff games with five.[175][176] In Game 5 of the Suns’ first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Booker put up 47 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in a 136–130 win. He also put up his 17th 30-point playoff game and his sixth 40-point playoff game, surpassing Charles Barkley’s previous Suns franchise records of 30-point playoff games (16) and 40-point playoff games (5).[177][178] In Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Booker tied a playoff career-high 47 points and put up six rebounds, nine assists and three steals in a 121–114 win against the Denver Nuggets.[179] The Suns ultimately lost the series to the eventual NBA champion Nuggets in six games. However, throughout Denver's entire championship run, Phoenix was the only team to win more than one game against the Nuggets in a single playoff series.[180]

2023–24 season: Fourth All-Star selection

On November 17, 2023, Booker recorded 24 points and a career-high 15 assists in a 131–128 win over the Utah Jazz.[181] On November 24, Booker scored 40 points on 15 of 21 shooting from the field, including 3 of 4 from outside the arc in a 110–89 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.[182] On November 26, Booker put up 28 points, 11 assists, two blocks, and a game-winning three-pointer in a 116–113 win over the New York Knicks.[183]

On January 19, 2024, Booker put up 52 points, with 25 of those coming in the first quarter, in a 123–109 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.[184] On January 24, Booker scored 46 points on 17-of-23 shooting from the field, including 6-of-10 from the three-point range in a 132–109 win over the Dallas Mavericks.[185] Two days later against the Indiana Pacers, Booker had 29 points in the first quarter, setting a Suns franchise record for points in a quarter.[186] He finished the game with 62 points on 22-of-37 shooting in a 133–131 loss, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to record multiple 60-plus-point games.[187][188] Booker also set the record for most points in a game in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, marking his fourth different arena where he's set the single-game scoring record, joining the Footprint Center, TD Garden, and Vivint Arena.[189] After another 44-point outing against the Orlando Magic on January 28, Booker was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the ninth time in his career, averaging 42 points, five rebounds, and 63.9% from the field in four games.[190] He was also named Western Conference Player of the Month for the third time in his career, the most in Suns franchise history. In 16 games in January, Booker averaged 30.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.4 rebounds, while shooting 53.9% from the floor and 40.0% from three-point range, with the Suns going 11–5 during that stretch.[191]

On February 1, Booker was named to his fourth All-Star Game as a Western Conference reserve.[192] On April 1, Booker recorded 52 points, nine assists and a career-high eight three-pointers in a 124–111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He became the first NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain to score at least 50 points in three consecutive games against the same opponent.[193] In the first round of the playoffs, Phoenix would go on to lose to the Minnesota Timberwolves in four games despite Booker's playoff career-high 49 points in the 122–116 close-out loss in game 4.[194] At the conclusion of the season, Booker was named to the All-NBA Third Team.[195] Alongside Kevin Durant, they became the third pair of teammates in NBA history to each average 27-plus points in the same season.[196]

National team career

Due to his mother's ethnic background, Booker drew interest from the Mexican and U.S. national teams.[10][197] He played on the 2016 USA Select Team that trained against the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. In February 2020, he was named a finalist to play on the 2020 Olympic team. However, the 2020 Summer Olympics were postponed into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[198] In 2021, Booker and Team USA won the Olympic gold medal in men's basketball. He was named to the 2024 Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.[199] He played a crucial role on Team USA leading up to their gold medal win on August 10, with head coach Steve Kerr calling Booker their "unsung MVP" throughout their run.[200]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

Regular season

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2015–16 Phoenix 76 51 27.7 .423 .343 .840 2.5 2.6 .6 .3 13.8
2016–17 Phoenix 78 78 35.0 .423 .363 .832 3.2 3.4 .9 .3 22.1
2017–18 Phoenix 54 54 34.5 .432 .383 .878 4.5 4.7 .9 .3 24.9
2018–19 Phoenix 64 64 35.0 .467 .326 .866 4.1 6.8 .9 .2 26.6
2019–20 Phoenix 70 70 35.9 .489 .354 .919 4.2 6.5 .7 .3 26.6
2020–21 Phoenix 67 67 33.9 .484 .340 .867 4.2 4.3 .8 .2 25.6
2021–22 Phoenix 68 68 34.5 .466 .383 .868 5.0 4.8 1.1 .4 26.8
2022–23 Phoenix 53 53 34.6 .494 .351 .855 4.5 5.5 1.0 .3 27.8
2023–24 Phoenix 68 68 36.0 .492 .364 .886 4.5 6.9 .9 .4 27.1
Career 598 573 34.0 .464 .357 .870 4.0 5.0 .9 .3 24.3
All-Star 3 0 22.7 .475 .150 4.3 3.0 2.0 .3 13.7

Playoffs

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021 Phoenix 22 22 40.4 .447 .321 .905 5.6 4.5 .8 .2 27.3
2022 Phoenix 10 10 36.6 .451 .431 .887 4.8 4.4 .5 .4 23.3
2023 Phoenix 11 11 41.7 .585 .508 .866 4.8 7.2 1.7 .8 33.7
2024 Phoenix 4 4 41.5 .492 .350 .951 3.3 6.0 1.8 .3 27.5
Career 47 47 40.0 .486 .389 .899 5.1 5.3 1.0 .4 28.0

College

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2014–15 Kentucky 38 0 21.5 .470 .411 .828 2.0 1.1 .4 .1 10.0

Personal life

Booker's maternal grandfather is from Mexico.[4][94] Devin is the only child of his father, Melvin Booker, a former professional basketball player. In 2020, Booker was named a global ambassador to the Special Olympics for his support for his younger half-sister who has microdeletion syndrome, a genetic chromosomal disorder.[201][202]

From June 2020 to October 2022, Booker was in a relationship with Kendall Jenner, a member of the Kardashian family.[203][204][205]

A Michigan native, Booker is a Detroit sports fan, frequently sporting attire from the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lions.[206][207]

Booker has his own charitable foundation called the Starting Five, which grants five nonprofit organizations $100,000 each, and plans to donate $500,000 to Phoenix charities per year for 5 years.[208]

In 2019, Booker bought a 5,590 square foot house in Paradise Valley, Arizona for $3.5 million.[209]

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III added Booker as a playable operator for Warzone. The pack was released on May 3, 2024, and is titled "Tracer Pack: D Book Was Here bundle".[210]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Devin Booker Scores Franchise Record 70 Points – Phoenix Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  2. ^ @ESPNStatsInfo (March 27, 2019). "At 22 years old, Devin Booker is the youngest player in NBA history with consecutive 50-point games" (Tweet). Retrieved June 6, 2021 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ "Phoenix Suns Career Leaders". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Lee, Michael (December 13, 2019). "'I'm definitely going to rep that side of my heritage, always': Devin Booker is determined to get more in touch with his Mexican heritage". The Atmelvhletic. Retrieved May 28, 2020. Booker was raised by Gutierrez, a cosmetologist, in the predominantly white suburb of Grandville but spent his summers in a poorer, mostly African-American, inner-city setting in Moss Point, Miss., with his father, Melvin.
  5. ^ "Devin Booker Bio". UKAthletics.com. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c d e Roberts, Ben (April 28, 2013). "Junior Booker shows he can handle pressure – Shooting guard impresses Cal". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. B1.
  7. ^ a b c d e Stephenson, Creg (January 20, 2012). "Moss Point's Devin Booker has the name and the game". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  8. ^ Multiple sources:
    • "Devin Booker Point of pride". Azcentral.com. July 8, 2021. "But based on information from Booker's agent, CCA, a Suns team spokesman clarified for this story that Booker's grandfather was from Los Nogales, a town in Nuevo Leon, a state in northeast Mexico near the border with south Texas. It also has been reported in some media outlets that Booker has Puerto Rican heritage on his mother's side. But Cole Mickelson, a team spokesman, said that is not true. While Booker does have a Puerto Rican uncle, they are not blood-related, Mickelson said in an email."
  9. ^ Multiple sources:
  10. ^ a b Cervantez, Rigo (March 19, 2016). "El novato Devin Booker aún no decide entre EU o Puerto Rico" (in European Spanish). espndeportes. Retrieved March 28, 2020. 'He escuchado algunos rumores', reconoció el jugador quien, más allá de su decisión final, sobre los colores que defenderá, como basquetbolista, dijo sentirse orgulloso de ser boricua, por parte de su madre.
  11. ^ "Suns draft pick Devin Booker groomed to play professionally". Fox Sports. Phoenix. June 26, 2015. Retrieved December 8, 2017. Devin's motivation to improve his game only grew during summer visits with his father.
  12. ^ Lowe, Zach (March 18, 2016). "The book on Devin Booker". ESPN. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  13. ^ Sohi, Seerat (February 25, 2017). "DRAKE, 2K AND NETFLIX: FIVE MOMENTS AT HOME WITH THE PHOENIX SUNS". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  14. ^ Roberts, Ben (October 4, 2013). "Booker calm amid recruiting storm". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. B4.
  15. ^ Stephenson, Creg (November 22, 2011). "Moss Point can't keep up with Gulfport". Press-Register. p. B01.
  16. ^ "Tigers win on buzzer-beater". Press-Register. December 16, 2011. p. B04.
  17. ^ Stephenson, Creg (January 10, 2012). "Panthers' season revs up". Press-Register. p. B02.
  18. ^ a b c Stephenson, Creg (November 7, 2012). "Moss Point's Devin Booker begins junior season squarely in basketball spotlight". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  19. ^ Stephenson, Creg (February 7, 2012). "Byrd, McGill step up in Moss Point victory". Press-Register. p. B01.
  20. ^ Stephenson, Creg (February 11, 2012). "Panther pride". Press-Register. p. B01.
  21. ^ Stephenson, Creg (February 15, 2012). "Wayne County's defense ends Moss Point's season". Press-Register. p. B01.
  22. ^ a b Jones, James (April 8, 2012). "Booker, Miller take boys basketball honors – Moss Point, Gulfport among the Coast's best". Sun Herald.
  23. ^ Stephenson, Creg (May 10, 2012). "Showcase to spotlight area players". Press-Register. p. B01.
  24. ^ "Booker had memorable week". Sun Herald. December 9, 2012. p. 6.
  25. ^ Stephenson, Creg (December 8, 2012). "Melvin Booker Shootout: Pascagoula, Moss Point both win". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  26. ^ "Boys Basketball: Harrison Central 59, Moss Point 52". The Mississippi Press. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  27. ^ a b c d Magee, Patrick (January 3, 2013). "Booker, Moss Point make strong showing in Missouri". The Sun Herald. p. 5.
  28. ^ Magee, Patrick (December 22, 2012). "Davidson slows down Booker, Moss Point". Sun Herald. p. 1.
  29. ^ Baumgardner, Nick (December 24, 2012). "Recruiting: 2014 Michigan target Devin Booker scores 49 points in prep game, Duke now reportedly involved". MLive. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  30. ^ Stephenson, Creg (January 13, 2013). "Gulfport rallies". The Press-Register. p. 006M.
  31. ^ a b c Magee, Patrick (February 6, 2013). "Booker leads Moss Point past Gautier". Sun Herald. p. 5.
  32. ^ Magee, Patrick (February 9, 2013). "Booker's 43 points not enough as Hattiesburg prevails". Sun Herald. p. 1.
  33. ^ Stephenson, Creg (February 19, 2013). "Moss Point's Devin Booker begins recruiting trek this weekend with visits to North Carolina, Duke". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  34. ^ Magee, Patrick (February 13, 2013). "Gators prevail in OT – Gators' Rutledge puts team on back in OT to bounce Tigers from playoffs". Sun Herald. p. 1.
  35. ^ Stephenson, Creg (March 21, 2013). "Basketball: Moss Point's Devin Booker named Mississippi's Gatorade Player of the Year". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  36. ^ Magee, Patrick (February 12, 2013). "Panthers seal pair of postseason hoops bids". The Sun Herald. p. 1.
  37. ^ Jones, James (April 7, 2013). "Booker repeats as Sun Herald Player of the Year – Hardy wins second coach of the year award". The Sun Herald. p. 3.
  38. ^ a b Palmer, Tod (October 29, 2013). "Top Mizzou hoops target Devin Booker to announce college choice on Thursday". Kansas City Star.
  39. ^ a b c Stephenson, Creg (August 6, 2013). "Moss Point basketball star Devin Booker back on Coast, ready for recruiting homestretch, senior year". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  40. ^ Roley, Veto (May 29, 2013). "Booker, Reed shine at South Mississippi classic". The Sun Herald.
  41. ^ "Nation's elite hoops players think ACC will get even better with expansion". The Daily Progress. June 15, 2013.
  42. ^ "Under Armour Elite 24 Highlights". Global Basketball. August 25, 2013. Archived from the original on October 2, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  43. ^ a b Stephenson, Creg (October 31, 2013). "Basketball recruiting: Moss Point's Devin Booker verbally commits to Kentucky". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  44. ^ Roberts, Ben (September 9, 2013). "Alumni game also a tool for recruiting – Many top prospects to attend". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. C1.
  45. ^ "Briefs". Lexington Herald-Leader. October 3, 2013. p. C2.
  46. ^ Stephenson, Creg (October 21, 2013). "Basketball recruiting: Moss Point's Devin Booker has completed visits, but still mulling college decision". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  47. ^ Roberts, Ben (November 1, 2013). "The next big shot – Wildcats get one coveted shooting guard but lose another to Indiana". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. B1.
  48. ^ Roberts, Ben (November 14, 2013). "Four sign; top target to announce Friday – is californian johnson picking too early?". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. C2.
  49. ^ a b Roberts, Ben (December 9, 2013). "Warm 'homecoming' – Booker scores 40 in Ky. tournament". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. C1.
  50. ^ Stephensen, Creg (December 14, 2013). "Point overcome McGill-Toolen in 78–67 loss in Melvin Booker Shootout". The Mississippi Press Web Edition. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  51. ^ Stephenson, Creg (January 2, 2014). "Basketball: Moss Point's Devin Booker closing in on 2,000 career points, school scoring record". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  52. ^ Stephensen, Creg (January 31, 2014). "Basketball: Devin Booker sets Moss Point career scoring record in 75–53 victory over Pass Christian". The Mississippi Press Web Edition. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  53. ^ a b Stephenson, Creg (March 19, 2014). "Moss Point's Booker honored". Press-Register. p. 005M.
  54. ^ "Basketball: Moss Point's season ends with 61–56 loss to McComb despite Devin Booker's 42 points". The Mississippi Press Web Edition. February 28, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  55. ^ "Basketball: Moss Point's Devin Booker makes USA Today All-USA third team". The Mississippi Press Web Edition. April 9, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  56. ^ Jones, James (March 22, 2014). "Devin Booker, Christa Reed shine as Mississippi, Alabama splits All-Star Basketball Games". Sun Herald.
  57. ^ Stephenson, Creg (March 23, 2014). "Early lead propels Alabama past Mississippi". Press-Register. p. 25A.
  58. ^ Roberts, Ben (January 30, 2014). "Cats place 5 on McDonald's teams – 4 male signees, 1 female signee on list". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. C4.
  59. ^ "Moss Point's Devin Booker scores eight points as West wins McDonald's All-American Game, 105–102". The Mississippi Press Web Edition. April 2, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  60. ^ Roberts, Ben (March 11, 2014). "All of UK's 2014 signees on Jordan Brand roster". Lexington Herald-Leader. p. B5.
  61. ^ a b "Kentucky signee Devin Booker of Moss Point scores 43, named MVP of All-Star Showcase". The Mississippi Press Web Edition. May 31, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  62. ^ Rockwell, Curtis (November 4, 2014). "College basketball: Moss Point's Devin Booker impressive in first Rupp Arena apperance [sic]". The Mississippi Press. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  63. ^ "No. 1 Kentucky rolls: Moss Point's Devin Booker shines with 15 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds". The Mississippi Press. The Associated Press. November 21, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  64. ^ a b "Moss Point's Devin Booker scores 18 points as No. 1 Kentucky beats Montana State 86–28". The Mississippi Press. The Associated Press. November 23, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  65. ^ "Moss Point's Devin Booker gets 19 points, including 5 3-pointers, as No. 1 Kentucky romps". The Mississippi Press. The Associated Press. November 25, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  66. ^ "Devin Booker Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  67. ^ "2015 SEC Men's Basketball Awards announced". secsports.com. March 13, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
  68. ^ "Suns Select Devin Booker In The First Round Of The 2015 NBA Draft". azcentral.com. NBA.com. June 25, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
  69. ^ "Suns Sign First-Round Draft Pick Devin Booker". NBA.com. July 13, 2015. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  70. ^ "Mavericks vs Suns". NBA.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  71. ^ "Arizona Sports: McDonough on Booker, Bogdanovic – Phoenix Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  72. ^ "Suns vs Kings". NBA.com. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  73. ^ "Pacers vs Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  74. ^ "USA vs World". NBA.com. February 12, 2016. Archived from the original on February 9, 2016. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  75. ^ "Booker Soaks in All-Star Weekend – Phoenix Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  76. ^ Feldman, Dan (February 5, 2016). "Suns' Devin Booker – by far – youngest player in NBA 3-point contest history". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  77. ^ "Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker headed to 3-point contest". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  78. ^ "Klay Thompson downs Stephen Curry to win the Three-Point Shootout". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  79. ^ "Suns vs Heat". NBA.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  80. ^ "Suns vs Nuggets". NBA.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  81. ^ "The Weekside: Devin Booker, the understated future superstar in this rookie class". March 31, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  82. ^ "Suns vs Pelicans". NBA.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  83. ^ "Booker finishes fourth for ROY". May 16, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  84. ^ "Wolves' Towns, Knicks' Porzingis lead 2015–16 NBA All-Rookie teams". NBA.com. May 19, 2016. Archived from the original on May 22, 2016. Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  85. ^ "Booker earns All-Rookie First Team honors". May 19, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  86. ^ "Bickley: Suns' Earl Watson plans to win over skeptics". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  87. ^ "Devin Booker invited to join USA Basketball's select team". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  88. ^ "The Newest Phoenix Suns Draftees are Unveiled to the World". June 24, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  89. ^ "Devin Booker emerges as summer league standout". July 17, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  90. ^ "Phoenix Suns' Brandon Knight will come off the bench". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  91. ^ "Booker leads Suns to OT win over winless Pelicans". ESPN.com. November 4, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  92. ^ "Lakers hold off Suns 119–108 to move above .500". ESPN.com. November 6, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  93. ^ Cunningham, Cody (January 13, 2017). "Devin Booker Breaks Suns Franchise Record – Phoenix Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  94. ^ a b "Devin Booker has 39 points, Suns beat Spurs in Mexico City". ESPN. January 14, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  95. ^ "Suns' Devin Booker youngest ever with back-to-back 39 point games". brightsideofthesun.com. January 15, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  96. ^ "Minnesota's Towns and Philadelphia's Embiid headline roster for 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge". NBA.com. January 25, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  97. ^ "Devin Booker to Compete in 2017 Skills Challenge – Phoenix Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  98. ^ "Bucks vs. Suns – Game Recap – February 4, 2017 – ESPN". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  99. ^ "Booker Scores 27 Points within Eight Minutes – Phoenix Suns". NBA.com. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  100. ^ Thomsen, Ian (September 4, 2016). "Suns hope rookie big men mold into solid foundation". NBA.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  101. ^ "Suns' Booker scores 70 in loss to Celtics". March 25, 2017. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  102. ^ "Suns vs. Celtics – Game Recap – March 24, 2017 – ESPN". Retrieved March 25, 2017.
  103. ^ "Russell has 23 points, 9 assists; Nets beat Suns 98–92". ESPN.com. November 6, 2017. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  104. ^ "Clarkson scores 25, Lakers beat Suns 100–93". ESPN.com. November 13, 2017. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  105. ^ "Devin Booker scores 46 to lift Suns past Ben Simmons, 76ers". ESPN.com. December 4, 2017. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  106. ^ "Devin Booker Injury Update". NBA.com. December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 6, 2017.
  107. ^ Loung, Steven (December 5, 2017). "Suns guard Devin Booker leaves game vs. Raptors with adductor injury". Sportsnet.ca. Sportsnet. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  108. ^ "Chandler's dunk, Booker's 32 send Suns past Grizzlies". ESPN.com. December 2, 2017. Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  109. ^ "Jazz win 11th straight, beating Suns 107–97". ESPN.com. February 14, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  110. ^ Cato, Tim; Weatherly, Kaleel (February 17, 2018). "NBA Three-Point Contest 2018 recap: Highlights from Devin Booker's record-setting win". sbnation.com. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  111. ^ "Westbrook's 43 points lead Thunder past Suns, 124–116". ESPN.com. March 2, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  112. ^ "Suns top Mavs 124–97 as reserves rule for lottery teams". ESPN.com. April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  113. ^ "Suns' Devin Booker: Ruled out for finale". cbssports.com. April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  114. ^ "Suns Sign Devin Booker to Max Contract Extension". NBA.com. July 7, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  115. ^ "Devin Booker signs 5-year, $158M max extension with Suns". ESPN.com. July 7, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  116. ^ "Devin Booker Injury Update". NBA.com. September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  117. ^ Olson, Kellan (September 9, 2018). "Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker having hand surgery, out indefinitely". arizonasports.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  118. ^ "Booker's late onslaught lifts Suns past Mavs 121–100". ESPN.com. October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  119. ^ "Irving, Celtics rally from 22 down to top Suns 116–109 in OT". ESPN.com. November 8, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  120. ^ "Embiid scores 42 points, 76ers hold off Suns 132–127". ESPN.com. January 2, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  121. ^ Cunningham, Cody (January 24, 2019). "Booker Becomes Fifth Youngest Player to Score 5,000 Career Points". NBA.com. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  122. ^ "Forty-point fourth quarter helps Suns snap 17-game slide". ESPN.com. February 25, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  123. ^ "Booker hits array of milestones with 59 in defeat". ESPN.com. March 25, 2019. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  124. ^ "Booker Makes NBA History Erupting for 59 Points vs Utah". NBA.com. March 25, 2019. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  125. ^ "Booker scores 50 in back-to-back games but Suns lose again". ESPN.com. March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  126. ^ "Source: Suns' Booker (ankle) to sit last 3 games". ESPN.com. April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  127. ^ "Booker scores 35 as short-handed Suns beat Wolves 100–98". NBA.com. November 23, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  128. ^ Newman, Logan (January 5, 2020). "Devin Booker breaks Suns record for most 30-point games in a row". ArizonaSports.com. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  129. ^ Cunningham, Cody (January 8, 2020). "The Numbers Behind Devin Booker's Historic Streak". NBA.com. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  130. ^ Dixon, Schuyler (January 28, 2020). "Booker, Ayton lead Suns to 133–104 blowout to Mavs". NBA.com. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  131. ^ Bontemps, Tim (February 15, 2020). "Buddy Hield edges Devin Booker on final shot to win 3-point shootout". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  132. ^ "Booker's 35 points help streaking Suns beat 76ers 130–117". NBA.com. August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  133. ^ "NBA Announces Bubble Awards". FOX Sports. August 11, 2020. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  134. ^ "Jokic scores 31, Nuggets rally to beat Suns 130-126 in OT". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 22, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  135. ^ Argent, Rod (January 24, 2021). "Center of the Sun: Suns struggle in Week 5, Booker out indefinitely". Bright Side Of The Sun. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  136. ^ "Booker hits winning 3 in return as Suns edge Mav 109-108". ESPN.com. February 1, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  137. ^ "How High Can Devin Booker Climb on the Suns Leaderboards?". Zona Hoops. February 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  138. ^ Brandt, David (February 8, 2021). "Booker Gets Hot Late As Suns Outlast Cavaliers (Booker scores season-high 36, Suns beat Cavs 119-113)". NBA.com. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  139. ^ Huhn, Bob (February 13, 2021). "Booker's 36 For Suns Overpowers Embiid, Sixers (Suns keep rolling, top 76ers 120-111 for 5th straight win)". NBA.com. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  140. ^ "Devin Booker, Saddiq Bey named NBA Players of the Week". NBA.com. February 14, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  141. ^ "Devin Booker named Western Conference Player of the Week". NBA.com. February 15, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  142. ^ "DEVIN BOOKER NAMED NBA ALL-STAR". NBA.com. February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  143. ^ "CHRIS PAUL & DEVIN BOOKER NAMED ALL-STARS". NBA.com. February 24, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  144. ^ "Devin Booker: Phoenix Suns' playoff berth 'has been a long time coming'". ESPN.com. April 29, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  145. ^ "Booker dominates as scorer, paymaker, Suns handle Lakers in opener". ESPN.com. May 23, 2021. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  146. ^ "Devin Booker drops 47 points as Phoenix Suns end Lakers' reign in first round". ESPN.com. June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  147. ^ Maloney, Jack (June 14, 2021). "Suns vs. Nuggets playoff preview: Devin Booker leads Phoenix against Nikola Jokic and shorthanded Denver". CBS Sports. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  148. ^ Selbe, Nick (June 20, 2021). "Devin Booker's 40-Point Triple-Double Leads Suns Past Clippers in Game 1". Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  149. ^ Harris, Beth (June 30, 2021). "Chris Paul leads Suns past Clippers 130-103, into NBA Finals". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  150. ^ "Paul carries Suns past Giannis, Bucks in NBA Finals opener". ESPN.com. July 6, 2021. Retrieved July 6, 2021.
  151. ^ McMenamin, Dave (July 8, 2021). "Timely 3-pointers in 4th quarter by Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker 'melted' Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 win". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  152. ^ "Devin Booker feels Suns set foundation for 'championship basketball' despite Finals loss". Bright Side Of The Sun. July 21, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  153. ^ "Devin Booker, Trae Young named NBA Players of the Week". NBA.com. November 29, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  154. ^ "Devin Booker, Darius Garland named NBA Players of the Week". NBA.com. January 17, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  155. ^ "2022 NBA All-Star reserves revealed!". NBA.com. February 10, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  156. ^ Bantock, Jack (March 25, 2022). "MVP? Dominant Devin Booker scores 49 points in Phoenix's 60th win of the season". CNN. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  157. ^ "Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum named NBA Players of the Week". NBA.com. March 28, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  158. ^ "NBA 2021-22 Regular Season Standings". NBA.com. April 15, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  159. ^ Rankin, Duane. "Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker makes All-NBA first team, now $211M supermax eligible". azcentral. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  160. ^ "Suns guard Devin Booker out indefinitely with right hamstring injury". NBA.com. April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  161. ^ Eichenhofer, Jim (April 28, 2022). "Game 6 playoff postgame wrap: No. 1 Suns 115, No. 8 Pelicans 109". NBA.com. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  162. ^ "Mavericks cruise past Suns in stunning Game 7 victory". NBA.com. May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  163. ^ "Suns' Devin Booker signs 4-year supermax contract extension". NBA.com. July 7, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  164. ^ "Michael Jordan, Devin Booker among cover athletes for NBA 2K23". NBA.com. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  165. ^ "Markkanen scores career-high 38 points, Jazz edge Suns". ESPN.com. November 18, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  166. ^ "Devin Booker scores 51 points in 3 quarters, Suns rout Bulls". ESPN.com. November 30, 2022. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  167. ^ "Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum named Kia Players of the Month". NBA.com. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
  168. ^ Guinhawa, Angelo (December 17, 2022). "Devin Booker drops truth bomb on Suns' 24-point comeback vs. Pelicans". ClutchPoints. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  169. ^ Miller, Franklin (December 18, 2022). "Devin Booker Becomes the 6th Youngest Player To Reach Career Milestone". Burn City Sports. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  170. ^ "Ayton has 35, Suns hold off Thomas, Nets in Booker's return". ESPN.com. February 7, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  171. ^ Salao, R.P. (February 24, 2023). "Devin Booker reacts to passing Steve Nash for all-time Suns record". ClutchPoints. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  172. ^ "Durant tiebreaker lifts Suns over Mavs in showcase of stars". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  173. ^ "Booker, Ross help Suns rout Thunder after Durant injured". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  174. ^ Booth, Trevor (March 8, 2023). "Devin Booker's 44-point night a historic one to revive deflated Suns fans". SB Nation. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  175. ^ "Booker has 45 points, Suns top Leonard-less Clippers 129-124". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  176. ^ Wimbish, Jasmyn (April 21, 2023). "Devin Booker's 45-point performance ties Charles Barkley for most 40-point playoff games in Suns' history". cbssports.com. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
  177. ^ House, Alex (April 25, 2023). "Suns' Devin Booker leaves Charles Barkley in franchise dust with epic Game 5 vs. Clippers". ClutchPoints. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  178. ^ Guinhawa, Angelo (April 25, 2023). "'You passed a bum': Devin Booker gets hilarious Shaq message after resetting Charles Barkley record". ClutchPoints. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  179. ^ Guinhawa, Angelo (May 5, 2023). "Devin Booker breaches Michael Jordan territory after wild 47-point Game 3 in Suns vs. Nuggets". ClutchPoints. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  180. ^ "Nuggets blow past Suns 125-100, advance to Western Conference finals". ESPN.com. May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  181. ^ "Durant scores 38 and Booker has a career-best 15 assists to boost the Suns past the Jazz". ESPN.com. November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  182. ^ "Devin Booker's 40 points leads Suns past Grizzlies 110-89". ESPN.com. November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  183. ^ Villas, Rexwell (November 26, 2023). "Suns' Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson trade blows in wild finish". ClutchPoints. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  184. ^ Buyawe, Brian (January 19, 2024). "Suns' Devin Booker closing in on Stephen Curry record after Pelicans demolition". ClutchPoints. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  185. ^ "Devin Booker scores 46 as Suns beat Mavs 132-109 for 7th consecutive win". ESPN.com. January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  186. ^ Rankin, Duane. "Devin Booker 29-point 1st-quarter blast vs Pacers sets Suns franchise record". azcentral.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  187. ^ Buyawe, Brian (January 26, 2024). "Pacers' Obi Toppin spoils Devin Booker's 62-point masterclass with epic game-winner". ClutchPoints. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  188. ^ Olson, Kellan (January 27, 2024). "Devin Booker's 62 nullified by Suns' inability to stop Pacers in loss". arizonasports.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  189. ^ Smith, Jeff (January 27, 2024). "Suns' Devin Booker achieves outrageous feat with 62-point game vs. Pacers". yardbarker.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  190. ^ "Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo named NBA Players of the Week". NBA.com. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  191. ^ Druin, Donnie. "Devin Booker Named Western Conference Player of the Month". SI.com. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  192. ^ "2024 NBA All-Star reserves announced". NBA.com. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  193. ^ "Devin Booker scores 52 points to lift the Suns over the Pelicans 124-111". ESPN.com. April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  194. ^ "Timberwolves outlast Suns to finish sweep. Minnesota coach Chris Finch leaves with knee injury". ESPN.com. April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  195. ^ "Two Suns Stars Make All-NBA Teams". Inside The Suns. May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  196. ^ "SUNS FORWARD KEVIN DURANT AND GUARD DEVIN BOOKER NAMED TO 2023-24 KIA ALL-NBA TEAM". NBA.com. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  197. ^ Mancilla, Alfonso (January 14, 2017). "La sangre mexicana inspira a Devin Booker". ESPN (in European Spanish). Retrieved May 28, 2020. Su talento ganó la atención de las federaciones de Puerto Rico, México y Estados Unidos, países por lo que podía jugar
  198. ^ "Devin Booker". Retrieved May 28, 2020.[dead link]
  199. ^ Golliver, Ben (July 10, 2024). "USA Basketball's gold medal formula: Big stars, bigger centers". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  200. ^ Stumbaugh, Julia (August 10, 2024). "Steve Kerr Calls Devin Booker 'Unsung MVP' of USA Basketball's Olympic Gold Medal Run". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  201. ^ Gardner, David (May 19, 2016). "Bigger than basketball: Devin Booker forms unlikely bond with Suns fan". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  202. ^ Andrews, Malika (April 9, 2021). "Suns' Devin Booker named global Special Olympics ambassador". ESPN. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  203. ^ "Kendall Jenner Is the 'Happiest' She's 'Ever Been in a Relationship' with Devin Booker: Source". People. April 26, 2021. Archived from the original on April 26, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  204. ^ Khalifeh, Mona (June 22, 2022). "Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker Split, But There Is Possibility of Reconciliation, Source Says". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on June 22, 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
  205. ^ "Kendall Jenner and Devin Booker Quietly Broke Up Last Month". Peoplemag. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
  206. ^ Golen, Jimmy. "BRIDGES, SUNS SCORE HUGE WIN OVER CELTICS". NBA.com. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  207. ^ Rankin, Duane. "'Never want to see anybody lose money, though': Devin Booker on Patrick Beverley's suspension". AZCentral. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  208. ^ "Devin Booker: Starting Five". NBA.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  209. ^ Ankus, Justin (September 4, 2021). "Devin Booker House: Phoenix Oasis". urbansplatter.com. Archived from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  210. ^ DiCarlo, J.W. (May 3, 2024). "Call of Duty Update Adds Devin Booker to the Game". Gamerant. Retrieved August 22, 2024.

Further reading