CNN
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Phoenix guard Devin Booker scored an astonishing 51 points in only three quarters as the Suns dominated the Chicago Bulls, 132–113.
In only 31 minutes on the court, the shooting guard shot 20-for-25 from the field and went 6-for-7 from deep, making it one of the most efficient scoring performances in NBA history.
According to ESPN Stats & InfoHe became only the second player in the last 25 years to score 50 points with 80% shooting accuracy in the first three quarters of a game, joining James Harden in November 2017.
Booker said after the game, “It felt like twice the size of the rim out there.” “If I get up, it’s going in.”
26-year-old guard and center Deandre Ayton – who finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds – dominated the first half, combining for 41 points and giving the Suns a 21-point halftime lead.
In the third, Booker took it into another gear, downing 26 points to finish the game – shooting 10-for-11 in the quarter.
Booker was on fire despite the Bulls’ best efforts, ending the third quarter with a run of nine consecutive points, including a dunk, a 29-foot triple, and a four-point play.
After winning the game for the Suns in the third quarter, Booker was pulled for the rest of the game, but apparently had the option of continuing to put up points.
“coach [Monty Williams] When they got it down to 18 they tried to put me in … I didn’t think it was necessary, Booker said after the game.
Suns coach Williams said, “There’s no level where he can’t score.
“He can use both hands, he can score with one hand in his face and he’s willing to take tough shots.”
Bulls guard Zach LaVine, who finished with 21 points and seven assists, agreed, “A guy like that gets into a rhythm and it’s too late. He turns it on and it’s over.” .
Booker now has back-to-back 40-point games after scoring 44 against the Sacramento Kings and is staking his claim as the starting MVP candidate.
The win moves the Suns to the top of the Western Conference at 15–6, a record bolstered by a strong 12–1 at home.
Booker said on the support at the Footprint Center, “I don’t know how much the sellout crowd is, but it’s impressive.”
“Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, it doesn’t matter what day of the week it is. They show up and show up.
But much of that success is down to Booker, who took advantage of sluggish Bulls defending in this game to continue his hot streak and is now averaging just under 28 points per game.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan said on Booker, “We threw everything at him.” “We trapped him, we threw a box and a box at him. We tried to tackle him and credit goes to him for having a great night.”
The fans were chanting, “MVP! MVP!” After Booker sank a three-pointer in the third quarter. It may be a little too soon for him, but if Booker keeps racking up numbers like tonight’s, he’s going to be hard to ignore as the season progresses.