Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns to a commanding win over the Brooklyn Nets, 121-111 at Footprint Center. The defending Western Conference champions faced the dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and James Harden, easily handling them and winning the 41st game of the season.
Booker was inspired and dropped 35 points on his rivals, as he looked like playing with a chip on his shoulder. Once the game was over, he was asked about his motivations before entering the game after being snubbed from 2022 Western Conference All-Star starters.
Stephen Curry, Ja Morant, Andrew Wiggins, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic were selected as starters for the big game, while Booker was snubbed from this squad. He can still make it as a reserve, but many people believed he should have gotten the starting spot.
Shaquille O’Neal is one of them, and he asked Book about his motivations once the All-Star Game starters were revealed. While Shaq focused on the All-Star Game, Booker added another reason why he played so well against the Nets.
“What I can see is a mad baller when I’m looking. Are you feeling disrespected that you weren’t voted as a starter for the All-Star team because right now you’re playing like – hey, y’all better put some respect on my name?”
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Devin said that a message to Dwyane Wade, who claimed the player wouldn’t go for 30 before the start of the game. Booker somehow learned about that and made sure Wade knew he was aware of everything.
“Yeah, man, I heard somebody in the studio tonight say I wasn’t gonna have 30, too. A little birdie told me that, but you know how I am. Who said that up there?”
Wade reacted to Book’s comments, admitting he said those words, but joking that he was trying to motivate the shooting guard.
“Oh, I said that? That was motivation.”
After losing the NBA Finals last season, the Phoenix Suns are on a mission this year. They are one of the championship favorites this campaign and want to prove doubters wrong. As things stand right now, they can do so in the next months.
Booker has improved his level, Chris Paul keeps playing like he’s just entering his prime and the Suns are a well-oiled machine. Whenever people doubt them, they confirm this team is ready to make big things in the association. If you challenge Booker, he will respond, just like he did with Wade on Tuesday night.
