Suns great Charles Barkley did not mince words when asked why he was “disappointed” in Phoenix star Devin Booker’s playoff performance.
“Devin Booker is the greatest player on the squad, and he should never defer to anyone,” Barkley told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Friday. “Even when you lose, as a star, you have to make sure (that you) keep your end of the bargain, and he did not. “
Booker faced an Oklahoma City Thunder defense in the first round that forced him into four turnovers per game (the second most for a playoff series in his career) and only 15. 8 shot attempts per game (the fewest of any playoff series in his career). He never made more than 17 attempts in a game.
While those numbers may be dismissed when facing an all-world defense like OKC’s, the deferential shot selection is becoming a trend.
The 15. 8 shots per game occurred during playoff games, following his previous career low of 16. 3 attempts per game in the 2024 series defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both witnessed Phoenix get swept, and the Suns are currently on a ten-game playoff losing streak.
It was more evident in the final game of the most recent series, when he shot 0-for-3 in the first half before improving to 8-for-13 in the second.
This was Booker’s first series in which no game scored 25 or more points, with an average of 21. 3 points throughout the sweep. His 4. 8 assists per game were his lowest in any series since 4. 6 in the seven-game defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in 2022.
“He’s got to be Devin Booker All-Star,” Barkley remarked. “Those other guys aren’t All-Stars. “
The Suns star remarked that the team outperformed this season, with head coach Jordan Ott playing a key role, but that the club is still far behind OKC and the San Antonio Spurs, who appear to be on a collision course to determine the West.
