PHOENIX SUNS

Devin Booker’s Playoff Heroics Hit Historic Levels

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The Phoenix Suns live and die on the performances of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The star duo has been the driving force of the Western Conference contenders ever since Durant was acquired in a mid-season trade. In the first round of the playoffs, Booker and Durant became the first duo since Jerry West and Elgin Baylor in 1968 to score at least 25 points per game in every game of a best-of-seven series.

However, Booker especially has been absolutely fire during these playoffs. Through eight playoff games, Booker is shooting 60.2% from the field (115-191). He has amassed 295 points, 40 rebounds, 55 assists, and 17 steals. Furthermore, is shooting 48.9% from three (23-47). He also averaging 42.8 minutes per night, as the Suns get everything from their star. But now his historic playoffs are starting to put him in very elite company.

Here Are Some Of The Milestones Devin Booker Is Hitting

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns walks down the tunnel following Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

We’ve already talked about what he’s been able to achieve alongside Kevin Durant but Booker has also been hitting historic individual milestones as well.

  • His 36.9 points per game makes him the first player since 1992 Michael Jordan average 35 points per game over the first eight games of the playoffs
  • After scoring 47 points in Game 3 versus the Nuggets, Booker recorded his 4th 45-point playoff game. The Suns franchise excluding Booker has four 45-point playoff games combined
  • Booker has scored 295 points during the postseason. That’s the most points by an individual in the first eight games of the playoffs since 1990 Michael Jordan

The Suns currently trail the Nuggets 2-1 in the second round of the playoffs. Just 33 teams have ever won a playoff series after starting with a 0-2 deficit. However, it has already happened once this postseason. The Warriors came back from 0-2 down against the Kings to win 4-3 in the first round. Furthermore, the Suns have achieved it once before. The 1993 Suns rallied from 0-2 down to beat the Lakers in the first round. If Phoenix wants to advance and challenge for a place in the NBA Finals, Booker may need to go even further into the history books with his play. The Suns will host the Nuggets for Game 4 of their series on Sunday night.

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Chris Paul Hit With Injury Bug As Suns Drop Another Game

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Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns are not having a very good time right now. Overall, the Denver Nuggets have proven to be a lot tougher than they expected. Moreover, the Suns have no depth. Aside from Paul, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant, the team has no bench. We saw that in Game 1 as the bench scored a grand total of seven points. On Monday night, they weren’t much better as they scored eight points. Subsequently, the Suns lost again as the Nuggets put on a defensive clinic.

At this point, the Nuggets are up 2-0 in the series, and there isn’t much hope that the Suns can recover. Sure, the series is going back to Phoenix, but this could very well be a case of too little, too late. Furthermore, things are going from bad to worse here as Chris Paul found himself with a groin injury during the third quarter of Game 2. In the clip down below, you can see Paul clutching his groin area before leaving the game entirely. He never came back, and the Nuggets subsequently came back and won the game.

Chris Paul Goes Down

During the first 25 minutes of action with Paul on the floor, he scored eight points. Overall, this is not a lot, but he is an effective facilitator for guys like Booker and KD. Now, there is a ton of uncertainty considering whether or not he will play in Game 3. If Chris Paul is officially out, then consider this series over. In fact, this could end up being a full sweep. The Nuggets are just too powerful right now, and Nikola Jokic is on another level. At this point, it is clear who the real MVP is.

Moving forward, it is going to be very interesting to watch how things develop. The Nuggets are likely going to the Western Conference Finals, and the Warriors or Lakers will be on the other side. Needless to say, these playoffs are going to be very interesting. Let us know who you think is taking the championship this year, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more updates from around the basketball world.

Phoenix Suns Owner Vows To Make Games Free To Watch

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Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia is ready to make NBA games more accessible for fans. Ishbia spoke to the media in Phoenix about making games free for fans to watch at home. With the NFL’s recent massive contract for their viewership, it’s surprising to hear someone wanting to broadcast free games. However, the money isn’t a priority for the Suns owner. Although many billionaires probably wouldn’t put anything over money, Ishbia seems to have a different take.

“We’re not focusing on money. We’re focusing on winning, success, and taking care of fans, taking care of the community,” Ishbia commented when discussing the future of the organization. Fans of the league have long been frustrated with the way games are handled. Many markets see blackouts. Blackouts mean the game isn’t available in certain markets. So, for instance, if you wanted to watch your team out of market, you’d more than likely have to purchase the NBA League Pass.

Phoenix Suns Want To Deliver Free Games

While the theory of free games sounds amazing. However, the NBA will more than likely not be on board with this dream. Streaming services are bidding for the rights of every major professional sports league. One has to imagine the NBA’s price wouldn’t be cheap. But if things become too expensive, there will be no fans watching the product. Which is the big reason Ishbia could be looking into making games more accessible.

Teams will not lose money by giving more fans a chance to see their team. However, don’t expect any other franchises to make these same claims. Maybe Ishbia is just saying loud statements to get fans on his side. Since he is the newest owner of an NBA franchise. However, one thing is for certain, this statement will not be going away any time soon. Would you like to see teams follow the Phoenix Suns lead and attempt to show games free? Are you more likely to watch more basketball if games were offered locally? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Kevin Durant Signs Lifetime Contract With Nike

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Kevin Durant will forever be known as one of the greatest players of his generation. Now Durant’s partnership with Nike is making sure the NBA veteran doesn’t go anywhere. According to a press release from Nike, Durant has signed a lifetime agreement with the company. Obviously, the deal is a win-win for both parties involved. Nike will continue to have one of the biggest names on their roster. While Durant can still attach his name to one of the biggest brands in the world.

In the press release, Durant spoke about what this partnership has meant to him. “When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership. We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever. I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal.” Nike will continue to have such a strong ambassador for their brand in Durant.

Kevin Durant Stays With Nike

When Durant mentioned the deal was rare, he wasn’t misunderstood. Durant becomes just the third athlete to sign a lifetime deal with Nike. Obviously, the other two are Michael Jordan and LeBron James. That seems like some pretty good company to be a part of. Durant has been one of the biggest names in the NBA for the last decade. Now his legacy and brand have the potential to grow even bigger. Nike’s involvement in the sports world has long been a dominant force. With Durant in two for years to come, it will only become larger.

Durant is thrilled with the opportunity to become a lifetime Nike athlete. However, the Phoenix Suns star has his focus on the playoffs. The Suns are gearing up for their second-round matchup with the Denver Nuggets. After taking down a banged-up Clippers team in round one. The Suns will be facing a tougher challenge with the best team in the Western Conference, the Nuggets. Will Kevin Durant live up to his legacy by helping the Suns make a Finals run? Let us know what you think in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Durant And Booker Eliminate Short-handed Clippers

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The first-round NBA playoff series between the Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers started out as an even series. The Clippers shocked the Suns in Game 1 before Phoenix righted the ship and evened the series in Game 2. Then things went off the rails for Los Angeles.

Already without Paul George, the Clippers saw Kawhi Leonard sidelined after Game 2. That put the weight of the series on the shoulders of Russell Westbrook and Normal Powell. The series moved to LA, where the Suns took Games 3 and 4 behind their power pairing of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. As Game 5 took the series back to Phoenix, the Clippers faced elimination and needed a miracle.

Clippers Keep It Close But Crash Out Of The Playoffs

With Leonard still out, the Clippers needed career games from Westbrook and Powell. However, the two players were simply unable to run with the Suns. They combined for 41 points (27 for Powell, 14 for Westbrook), and 10 rebounds. However, they also missed 10 consecutive shots during one ice-cold shooting run. The Clippers bench provided some help, with Nicholas Batum and Mason Plumlee combining for 39 points. Ivica Zubac also finished with a double-double, with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Clippers even led at the half, having put up 70 first-half points. 40 of those came in the second quarter alone. But it was simply not enough to slow down the Phoenix pain train.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant became the first duo since 2003 Kobe and Shaq to each score 25 in their first five playoff games. They also became just the second duo to score 25 in every game of a best-of-seven since 1968 Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. Booker led all scorers with a 47-point double-double. Meanwhile, Durant added another 31 points of his own. Their biggest moment was a 38-point third quarter to help erase a 9-point halftime deficit. The Suns scored 50 total points in the quarter. The 136-130 final score was largely a result of the Suns’ bench struggling to put up meaningful points. However, it didn’t matter all that much as Phoenix sealed the win. They will now face #1 seed Denver in the Conference Semifinals. Denver completed their own 4-1 dismantling of the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

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Twitter Loved Suns-Clippers Game 3

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The first-round NBA matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers has been one of the highlights of the playoffs so far. Despite the absence of stars like Paul George, the series has been pure basketball. This has set it apart from the foul trouble seen in other matchups. However, the matchup has faded slightly as injury woes have prevented fans from seeing the teams battle at full strength.

Heading into Game 3, the series was tied at 1-1. The Clippers have persevered without George to steal Game 1 in Phoenix. However, a massive Game 2 performance from the Suns’ superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker helped tie the series. As the series shifted to LA for Game 3, both sides were looking to take that crucial lead. However, the Clippers would have to do it without Kawhi Leonard, who was ruled out through injury.

Suns Edge Clippers In High-Scoring Thriller

Both teams came to play from the opening tip-off, with the lead see-sawing throughout the first half. Tied at 27 after the first quarter, the Suns took a three-point lead into the half. They were able to push the lead to nine by the end of the three before fending off a Clippers-led fourth to take the game 129-124. The Suns now hold a 2-1 series lead heading into Saturday’s Game 4. Game 4 will once again be held in LA, with the Suns looking to sweep the road games of the series. Leonard has been designated as a “day-to-day” ahead of that crucial weekend game. George will also likely miss the matchup.

There were monster performances for both sides which contributed to the thrilling back-and-forth. With George and Leonard out, Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell stepped up. Powell, who had a combined 26 points through the first two games, put up a career-high 42 in Game 3. Westbrook also contributed 30 points and 12 assists. However, the other Clippers starters struggled, combining for just 13 points. Meanwhile, Durant and Booker put on another clinic for the Suns. Booker led all scorers with 45 points, while Durant added 28. All Suns starters reached double digits points, negating a weak bench showing of 18 combined.

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Kawhi Leonard Out For Game 3 Against Suns

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Kawhi Leonard is the latest NBA star dealing with an injury. Unfortunately, Leonard’s injury will sideline him for the Los Angeles Clippers Game 3 matchup with the Phoenix Suns. According to the injury report, Leonard will be out with a knee sprain. The Clippers were already without Paul George for the entire first round. Now, the team will be without another massive star. Leonard’s absence will be huge on how the Clippers will be able to perform on Thursday night.

The Suns tied the series with their Game 2 victory. Now they will look to kick the Clippers while they’re down and take the first game in Los Angeles. All eyes will be on the newest Clippers member Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has seemed to find the right situation in his tenure with the other Los Angeles team. But Westbrook won’t be able to carry the entire load. As the Suns are stacked with talent looking to put an exclamation point on this series.

Kawhi Leonard’s Absence Will Be Huge Test For Clippers

The Suns quickly became a popular pick to win the Western Conference. After the team added Kevin Durant, they have looked nearly unstoppable. Game 1 of this series was the first time the Suns lost with Durant in the lineup. The loss led to one media member asking Devin Booker a bizarre question after the Suns answered back with a victory of their own. Booker was asked if the Game 2 victory was needed in order for the Suns to have faith in Durant being on the team. A question that Booker quickly laughed about.

Leonard has been a focal point of the Clippers all season. The presence of the former Finals MVP has been massive in the absence of George. Now the team will look to take the lead in the series without their two biggest stars. Can the Clippers win without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup? Do the Suns have a prime opportunity to put the series out of reach in Los Angeles? Please give us your thoughts on the Clippers-Suns series in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Twitter Reacts To Chris Paul Breaking Bizarre Losing Streak

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Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns earned their first playoff win on Tuesday. The Suns took care of the Los Angeles Clippers 123-109. However, the game was more than a win for the Suns and Paul. The legendary point guard got his first win while NBA official Scott Foster was calling his game. Paul had previously been 0-14 when Foster officiated one of his playoff games. Now Paul can celebrate finally earning a victory while the longtime official was on the clock.

Paul’s record with Foster has been a huge topic on social media. Every time the official announcements are made for a Paul playoff game, everyone searches for Foster’s name. However, it is unknown if there is real beef between the two. The longtime losing streak could just be a part of a strange coincidence. However, that doesn’t stop Twitter from running with the narrative. Check out some of the best Twitter reactions below.

Chris Paul Defeats His Playoff Nemesis

After the game, Paul claimed that he didn’t even realize the win with Foster on the court. However, something tells me that may not have been the entire truth. Paul finished the game with 16 points and 8 assists, with nearly 38 minutes of action. Now that Paul has the ugly history with Foster behind him, maybe a new streak begins. It has yet to be revealed who will be officiating Game 3 of the Clippers-Suns. But it would add to the drama seeing Foster’s name on that officiating lineup card. A move that could easily be done by a league looking to create drama.

Whatever the case may be, the Suns are focused entirely on the Clippers. The first two meetings between the teams have been great games. Now the Suns will have to travel to Los Angeles in hopes of bringing back a series lead to Phoenix. Do you believe that Chris Paul kept up with his playoff record with Foster? Have the Suns found a rhythm after their Game 2 victory? Give us your thoughts on Paul’s record-breaking game in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it locked in here with HNHH.

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Devin Booker Reacts To Strange Kevin Durant Question: Video

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Devin Booker led the way for a Phoenix Suns victory on Tuesday night. The Suns evened up the series with the Clippers with a 123-109 win. Now the team will travel to Los Angeles looking to bring a series lead back to Phoenix. Booker and his teammates spoke with the media after last night’s win. However, Booker probably didn’t expect to hear one question that was asked of him. The question asked was, did the Suns need to prove they could win with Kevin Durant in the playoffs?

Obviously, Durant is one of the best players of his generation. So asking if the team needed to prove they could win with him may sound a little crazy. Booker quickly answered the question. A question that has never even crossed his mind. “That’s a 2-time champ. A 2-time Finals MVP. He’s proven enough. We didn’t lose any games with each other in the regular season & we just dropped Game 1.” In the video, Booker shares a hilarious reaction after hearing the question. Check the video out below.

Devin Booker Laughs Off Durant Question

Of course, the question was seeking a bizarre answer. However, Booker gave the right answer on the subject. Durant is a two-time champion, along with a 2-time Finals MVP. If the Suns couldn’t make his addition work, then something would be terribly wrong. Oh yeah, as Booker said, the team went undefeated with Durant in the lineup during the regular season. Game 1 of the series with the Clippers was the team’s first loss with Durant. That being the first loss is a pretty impressive statistic, in my mind.

The Suns don’t look worried about getting over the playoff “hump.” The question of winning Durant is just something the team has to deal with. But Booker and Paul know exactly how important Durant is to this team. The Suns will be back in action on Thursday against the Clippers. Hopefully, Devin Booker can handle having a Top 10 player of all time on the court with him. Spoiler alert, he will be able to. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Clippers-Suns Game 2 Had Twitter Losing It

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The first-round NBA playoff matchup between the LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns may be one of the most intriguing. It’s a rematch of the 2021 Western Conference Finals, although with a few key differences. For one, the Suns now have Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the Clippers have Russell Westbrook. Furthermore, a 4 v 5 matchup is something of a shock for two teams expected to be Western Conference contenders. However, the Suns ended the season as the fourth seed while the Clippers took the fifth seed.

Despite missing Paul George, the Clippers took Game 1 in a 115-110 shootout. Kawhi Leonard and Eric Gordon combined for 57 points, managing to overcome three 25+ point starters for the Suns. A deciding factor was the Clippers’ defensive prowess, which included holding the Suns to just 18 first-quarter points. Another key element was a poor showing from the Suns’ bench, who combined for just 10 points. That meant it was all to play for in Game 2, with the Suns eager to not fall behind 0-2.

Suns Tie Series With Massive Game 2

In response, the Suns dominated Game 2. Despite a tie game at the half, the Suns played better down the stretch to cap a 123-109 victory. Despite another weak showing from their bench, Durant and Devin Booker combined for 63 points in the win. Booker alone posted 38 points and nine assists. This was combined with no Suns starter dropping less than 14 (though De’Andre Ayton’s 14 was also complimented by 13 rebounds). Furthermore, they almost doubled the Clippers’ assists. This spoke to the Suns’ depth of shooters on a cold night for the Clippers.

The Clippers never let the Suns fully run away with the game, however. Westbrook shook off a 9-point Game 1 to put up 28 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Leonard was once again the team leader with 31 points. However, no Clippers starter finished the game with a positive +/- score. It’s clear that the Clippers are missing Paul George. Nicolas Batum is no replacement in the starting five and played just 19 minutes in Game 2. However, there is no immediate timetable for George’s return. Even though they took Game 1, will that cost the Clippers down the stretch?

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