Devin Booker torched the Chicago Bulls with a season-high 51 points in just three quarters while providing six assists and four rebounds as the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to six games with a 132-113 victory on Wednesday night. night.
Booker scored 25 points in the first half and had 26 more in a sublime third quarter. After a contested three-pointer went through the net, “MVP! MVP!” chants broke out at Footprint Arena, and the 26-year-old is certainly making an early-season case.
The two-time All-Star stole a fumble late in the third before running downcourt and dunking for his 50th and 51st points. He had six assists and four rebounds.
He didn’t play in the fourth quarter with the Suns holding a healthy lead.
Even more remarkable than Booker’s point total was his efficiency. He shot 20 of 25 from the field, going 6 of 7 from 3-point range. He is the second player in the last 25 years with 50 points and 80% shooting in the first three quarters of a game, joining James Harden in 2017, according to research from ESPN Stats and Info.
Booker now has four career 25-point quarters, tied with Kobe Bryant for second over the past 25 seasons, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Stephen Curry he has more than Booker with eight.
It was Booker’s second straight 40-point game. He had 44 in a win at Sacramento on Monday night. The Suns have the best record in the Western Conference at 15-6 and have won 12 of 13 home games.
The Bulls struggled defensively all night, particularly against Booker and Ayton. Chicago coach, Billy Donovanwas particularly irritated in the third quarter, angrily calling for a timeout after Phoenix scored a couple of easy bucks.
DeMar DeRozan he led Chicaho with 29 points. Zach LaVine added 21.
The Suns took a 64-43 lead at halftime. Booker burned the Bulls for 25 points before halftime, repeatedly finding open jump shots from midrange. He made 10 of the 14 shots from him.
Phoenix shot 58% in the first half. Chicago made just 1 of 14 (7.1%) of their 3-point attempts.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Booker’s historic night with 51 points; they sing MVP!, MVP!