βHe must have seen Kendall with Bad Bunnyβ - Fans show no mercy as Devin Booker tries to avoid getting substituted
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was on an absolute rampage against the OKC Thunder on Wednesday night. Although the star was subbed off before he could achieve a 50-point scoring night, fans sent in hilarious reactions to Booker's attempt at avoiding substitution.
The Phoenix Suns saw their star Devin Booker turn up the heat on Wednesday. With Kevin Durant missing the game, Booker took up the scoring load on his back.
Booker made light work of the Thunder defense as he went off for 30 points in the first half itself. He rode this momentum through to second as he notched up 44 points for the game.
With the Suns enjoying a comfortable lead early in the fourth, Suns head coach Monty Williams rightfully planned on resting his star and ensuring he remained healthy moving forward. However, Booker seemed keen on getting that 50 burger.
When Williams called for the substitution, Booker could be seen camping out in the corner to hopefully avoid being seen. Unfortunately, for the Suns guard, TJ Warren had already found his way on the court.
Booker smiled as he walked off the court and a standing ovation greeted him as he made his way to the bench.
He tried to hide π
Devin Booker gets the salute from the crowd exiting the game on his 44-point night. https://t.co/Py2qswqL3P
Booker's attempt at hiding garnered some attention from fans. With fans sharing some hilarious reactions to the situation, we took a look at some of the best from Twitter:
@ClutchPointsApp @ClutchPointsNBA STAT PADDER
@ClutchPointsApp Man he loves his stats
@ClutchPointsApp Monty why do you hate us
@NBA Franchise GOAT and the best sg in the league https://t.co/Y44qDTTaRq
@BALLYSPORTSAZ Why would Devin Booker hide his record for this?
@BleacherReport Books face said this.... https://t.co/AM3fxcZNgb
@BleacherReport Stat padding vs the thunder on a second night of a back to back without Shai and Jdub lmao
@BleacherReport Wanted that 70 ππ―
@BleacherReport https://t.co/sCrTR0dLpy
@BleacherReport Statpadding merchant https://t.co/BfEke21WaI
@BleacherReport I LOVE BOOK FOR THIS
@BleacherReport He must have saw Kendall with Bad Bunny
@BleacherReport He wanted to stat pad like his 70 point game π€£π
@BleacherReport let him hoop
@BleacherReport Dude played 27 minutes and dropped 44 i dont blame him
@BleacherReport He wanted that one up on Dame and Donovan so bad π https://t.co/i6ErRY84kb
@BleacherReport Itβs against okc who cares
@BleacherReport definition of stat padding.
@BleacherReport He knows Spida clears himππ
@BleacherReport Front runner who has never won anything
Fans made a note of Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell's 70+ point outings this season while referencing Booker's performance. Given that Booker is one of the eight players to score 70+ points in a game, the Suns guard had every motivation to push for the same this season.
However, Booker was truly on fire tonight. Scoring 44 points in only 28 minutes of playing time is a spectacular feat. With another impressive performance on the books, Booker continues to grow in stature as a franchise player.
Devin Booker's health is a priority
Although fans were up in arms about Devin Booker being subbed off in the fourth quarter, Monty Williams made the right decision. Booker's health is undoubtedly a priority for the Phoenix Suns.
Booker, when healthy, is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league, if not at least the best shooting guard in the league. His sheer impact on the offensive end gives the Suns a more than even chance of competing against any team.
Phoenix are currently facing a bit of trouble with Kevin Durant being sidelined. Given that there is no update on how long he will be out, the Suns need every available asset at their disposal.
While this places an immense burden upon Booker's shoulders, the Suns are a bit spent in terms of resources. They may enjoy some flexibility as they are three games ahead of the Warriors. However, with aspirations of gaining homecourt advantage for the playoffs, Phoenix are right to be careful with Devin Booker.
Read: Kevin Durant praises Devin Booker's basketball IQ, mentions he likes "guys that can score from all areas of the floor"