PHOENIX — Devin Booker is one of the league’s best scorers, but how he shows up in elimination games is still a real question — and it’s becoming a louder one each postseason.
What fans keep asking is simple: Can Booker deliver when the lights are brightest?
Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17) defends Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the fourth quarter during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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In four career elimination games since 2021, Booker has averaged 22.8 points on 37.6% shooting — a noticeable drop from his typical postseason production of 28.0 points on 48.6% shooting, according to Statmuse. Those games include 19 points in the 2021 Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, 11 points in a Game 7 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in 2022, and 12 points in a 2023 elimination loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Fans also point to the context surrounding those games — heavy defensive pressure and underperformance from teammates that placed a larger burden on Booker. In several cases, the Suns fell behind early or lacked secondary scoring, allowing opposing defenses to focus almost entirely on him.
May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) handles the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Reggie Bullock (25) in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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There is one outlier.
Against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2024, Booker delivered one of the best games of his career — 49 points on 61.9% shooting, along with five rebounds and six assists. For many fans, that performance reinforces the belief that Booker can rise to the moment.
Others, however, see inconsistency.
May 11, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives against Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) during the first half of game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
They argue that these matchups define legacies. In their view, Booker’s recent track record hasn’t matched the standard set by other top-tier stars. The drop in efficiency in multiple closeout scenarios is difficult to ignore.
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That’s why the Booker debate keeps coming up every postseason — but it’s also about context and timing. Booker has shown he can deliver at the highest level, but his elimination-game sample remains uneven enough to keep attention on his performance in those moments. With Phoenix once again facing a win-or-go-home scenario, that focus only intensifies.
Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) guards Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
What comes next will matter more than anything he’s done this season. This elimination game isn’t just about extending the Suns’ season for Booker, but also a chance to reshape the narrative — for better or worse.
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The Suns take on the Golden State Warriors for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference on Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde