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The Phoenix Suns were confident of Devin Booker’s ability to quarterback the team after Chris Paul was traded to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal. “Book” has had that job assigned to him, particularly in the playoffs when “CP3” had been unavailable. New Suns coach Frank Vogel reinforced playmaking Booker in his introductory press conference. The trust and confidence given to Booker haven’t been wasted at all.
In the Suns’ preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors, the three-time All-Star was a threat throughout the game. He caused trouble on the Dubs’ defense not just with his scoring but also with his dimes.
Booker’s superb playmaking, especially late in the game had NBA insider Kevin O’Connor exclaiming on X, formerly Twitter:
“Point Booker!"
Other fans also chimed in:
In the last 1:09 minutes of the game, Devin Booker dished three of his eight assists in the game. He found Josh Okogie on the left corner for a 24-foot 3-pointer to give Phoenix a 103-99 lead.
Three plays later, “Book” again baited the Golden State Warriors' defense before dishing out to Eric Gordon for a deep splash. Gordon’s 30-foot basket continued to keep the Bay Area team at bay. Phoenix led 106-101 after the said basket.
Devin Booker saved his best and most important dime for the biggest basket of the game. After Steph Curry’s 3-pointer cut the lead to 106-104, the Phoenix Suns called a timeout. They gave the ball again to Booker once play ensued.
With the ball in his hands, Frank Vogel allowed “Book” to decide which play would give the Suns the best way to win the game. Center Jusuf Nurkic played a nifty pick-and-roll with the combo guard to give Booker separation against Gary Payton II’s leechlike defense.
The screen forced GP II to guard the rolling Nurkic while Kevon Looney tried to cover Devin Booker who rose for a jumper. At the very last second, the Phoenix Suns star dropped a dime on the cutting Nurkic to score on a point-blank layup.
Jusuf Nurkic’s bucket gave the Suns a 108-104 lead with 10.3 seconds left in the game. A defensive stand against the Golden State Warriors allowed the visiting Phoenix team to escape with the win.
Phoenix Suns need depth at point guard behind Devin Booker
Eric Gordon, Kevin Durant, Jordan Godwin and even Grayson Allen helped with the playmaking when Devin Booker wasn’t on the floor. Without Bradley Beal, who will be expected to contribute on that end, Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel had to be creative.
The Suns managed to eke out a victory despite a glaring lack of depth at the point guard spot. They may not be so lucky in a seven-game series in the playoffs. The 82-game regular season could also expose that weakness. Someone will have to help with the playmaking duties outside of Devin Booker.
Bradley Beal has had little experience orchestrating plays. He has mainly played shooting guard alongside John Wall and then Russell Westbrook. Trusting him to handle playmaking duties when Booker is out might be too much on Beal’s plate.
