Thanks to a 49-point explosion from Devin Booker, the Suns clinched the best record in the League after beating the Nuggets 140-130.
DETERMINATION. DBOOK IS LOCKED IN. (via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/uq7VE7baPn
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 25, 2022
The Suns’ win was not only momentous because it was their League-best 60th of the year and clinched home-court advantage through the playoffs, but it also marked the return of Chris Paul to the lineup after missing 15 games due to a fractured thumb. The Suns went 11-4 while Paul has been out. CP3 finished the night with 17 points and 13 assists.
“We have a special team; it’s that simple,” Paul said per ESPN. “But just being back for the warmup stuff, the pregame stuff, you know what I mean? There’s nothing like being part of this team. I’m just happy that I could get back.”
POINT GAWD IS BACK (via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/xo4YqEZUhR
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 25, 2022
With a nine-game lead over the Grizzlies (51-23) and just eight games left both franchises, the Suns (60-14) clinched the top seed in the playoffs off thanks in part to the MVP-level play of Booker. The Kentucky product scored at 45+ for the eighth time in his career.
The fact he isn’t getting any MVP consideration could be considered a slight. At this point, all D-Book can do is just focus on winning and making a second straight Finals appearance.
“The main objective is to win basketball games,” he said per BrightSideoftheSun. “And they’ve been telling me that since I was 18 or 19. So, now that we have the one-seed locked up, been winning basketball games for two years straight now, this team needs some flowers. Coach Monty should have been Coach of the Year last year.”
49 in the Kobe 5. pic.twitter.com/Sp2F0NMtGX
— SLAM Kicks (@SLAMKicks) March 25, 2022
