Struggles Continue for Devin Booker
PHOENIX — The clock is ticking for Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker to break free from his recent shooting slump, yet the breakthrough remains elusive. After a scorching start to the season, averaging 31 points per game through the first eight contests, Booker’s numbers have dipped significantly. Over the last 13 games, he has managed only 22.4 points per game while shooting just 41.2% from the field. Following a 24-point outing in the Suns’ 130-112 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, Booker has now failed to reach the 25-point mark for seven consecutive games.
“I’m more hard on myself than anything,” Booker reflected after the game. “I’m still getting shots that I have to make.”
The Challenge of Defensive Schemes
As defenses tighten their grip on Booker, particularly with Jalen Green sidelined, he finds himself grappling with the various coverages aimed at limiting his impact. Despite his struggles, Booker has still contributed by creating opportunities for his teammates, but the Suns (12-9) have begun to falter. They started strong during this slump, winning eight of their first nine games, but have now lost two straight and three of their last four, all while facing an increasingly challenging schedule.
Booker’s most pressing challenge has been his 3-point shooting. Over the last 12 games, he has managed only 13 successful attempts out of 64 tries, resulting in a dismal 20.3% conversion rate.
Coach’s Perspective on Booker’s Role
Suns coach Jordan Ott acknowledged the added pressure on Booker, particularly in light of the team’s roster changes. “We’ve lost some playmakers. He’s got to make every play, at least be that initial domino a lot of times,” Ott commented after the loss to Denver. “That’s probably why he’s not taking as many threes, because he is trying to get the first one. But yeah, we’ll continue to look at it.”
Defenses are increasingly sending multiple defenders his way, and when he navigates into the paint, the pressure only intensifies. Despite this, Booker managed to limit his mistakes, recording only one turnover against the Nuggets.
The Path Forward
Booker went 0-for-4 from beyond the arc in the game against Denver, but he remains resolute in his approach. “I just have to look for my opportunities, and there are a few times that I got some clean ones,” he stated. “Just back to the fundamentals like the first few threes that I had tonight. They were close; just have to keep shooting.”
As the Suns continue to adapt to Ott’s new system, adjustments are necessary. While some players have thrived under the new scheme, Booker is in the process of rediscovering his rhythm as Phoenix’s primary offensive weapon once again.
The Suns will face a tough challenge ahead, with matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers (14-4) on Monday and the Houston Rockets (12-4) on Friday. These games present an opportunity for Booker to regain his form against formidable opponents.
