20-year-old Devin Booker drops 70 points vs Celtics
Sixth player in NBA history to score at least 70
The Phoenix Suns lost again and on their way to the 2017 NBA Draft lottery. However, they have a promising youngster in their roster as many witnessed on Friday. The Suns lost to the Boston Celtics, 130-120 but Phoenix had a confirmation on who their franchise player is as 20-year-old guard Devin Booker dropped a career-high 70 points.
Booker became just the sixth player in NBA history to score at least 70 points, via ESPN. Others who have achieved the feat are Wilt Chamberlain (six times), Kobe Bryant (81 points), David Thompson (73 points), Elgin Baylor and David Robinson (71 points).
The Suns have lost seven straight games and 9 of their last 10 games. However, the Suns already know it’s a lost season and are already resting veterans like Eric Bledsoe, Tyson Chandler and Brandon Knight. Developing the youngsters like Booker is priority for the rest of the regular season for the Suns and tanking as hard as possible to get to a high draft pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Playing in just his second season in the league, Booker has become one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA. The guard from Michigan has averages of 20.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists in 70 games played for Phoenix this season.
On Friday night in the road game in Boston, he shot 21-of-40 field goals, 4-of-11 from the three-point area and 24-of-26 from the free throw line. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are still vying for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. With the win over the Suns, they extended a winning streak to three and one game behind conference leaders Cleveland Cavaliers. Through Friday’s games in the NBA, the Cavs are at 47-24 while the Celtics are at 47-26.
Isaiah Thomas led the way for Boston with 34 points. The diminutive point guard shot 10-of-20 field goals and was 11-of-11 from the free throw line. Four other Celtics finished in double figure scoring led by 15 points each from Al Horford and Gerald Green, off the bench. Jae Crowder had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and reserve Kelly Olynyk added 13 points.
The Suns have one of the worst records in the league at 22-51. If the lottery balls go their way according to the odds, they will pick third overall in a draft that is likely one of the deepest in years.
With the promise of Devin Booker and their continued rebuilding efforts, the Suns have a bright future ahead of them in the NBA.
