Devin Booker's scorching 47-point performance secured the Phoenix Suns a spot in the second round of the NBA playoffs and eliminated the defending champions with a 113-100 win Thursday. Game 6 appeared to be out of reach for the Los Angeles Lakers before the second quarter even began, as Booker had 22 points and went 6-of-6 on 3-pointers while leading the Suns to a 36-14 first-quarter lead. Los Angeles simply did not have an answer for Booker, who outscored all of L.A.'s starters 33-29 in the first hal
He even caught the eye of NFL stars, including fellow Arizona players Kyler Murray and J.J. Watt:
That man is cold 🥶
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 4, 2021
Booker goin' off!
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 4, 2021
Book is a demon.. 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
— Kyler Murray (@K1) June 4, 2021
SIX for SIX from 3 in the FIRST quarter?!
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 4, 2021
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯@DevinBook
Booker's 47 points are the most to eliminate a defending champ on their home court in NBA postseason history. He also tied Anthony Davis for most points in a player's first clinch opportunity.
Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Trae Young, fresh off of his own impressive series that ended with him taking a bow at Madison Square Garden, acknowledged Booker's impressive showing.
Book locked in.
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 4, 2021
Book and the Suns will face MVP front-runner Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets up next.
BeLegendary ♾
— Book (@DevinBook) June 4, 2021
Sheesh Book!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Fish Grease!
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) June 4, 2021
Book ain't letting them lose this one
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 4, 2021
Wanted to take the time out to not only congratulate the @Suns but @DevinBook in particular. The boy is a stone cold killer and was built for the playoffs! He stuck with the organization during all those bad years,never complained, and is now ready to lead that franchise!
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) June 4, 2021
Book Em
— Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler) June 4, 2021
Book can't miss 😳
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) June 4, 2021
Book
— TJ Warren (@TonyWarrenJr) June 4, 2021
Book might get 80
— D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) June 4, 2021
The Lakers join the 2015 San Antonio Spurs, 2012 Dallas Mavericks, 2007 Miami Heat, 2000 Spurs and 1984 Philadelphia 76ers as the sixth defending champs in league history to lose in the first round of the playoffs the following season.
The decisive loss marked the only first-round exit of LeBron James' career.
