Analysis : Should we start questioning if Devin Booker is overrated?

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a win against the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs' first round, taking a significant 2-0 series lead with a 105-93 victory on Tuesday. Tensions flared during the game, evident in a shoving incident involving Suns All-Star Devin Booker and Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels, highlighting the game's intensity though it didn't escalate further.

Booker ended the game with 20 points, shooting 6 for 13, and added three rebounds and five assists. On the opposing side, McDaniels shone by leading his team with 25 points and contributed eight rebounds and three assists. Despite this performance, Booker has been facing challenges in this series, a stark contrast to his previous playoff successes.

The Suns, making their first postseason appearance since the 2020-21 season when they finished with a 51-21 record, advanced to the NBA Finals that year but were ultimately defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. During that postseason run, alongside teammates Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, and under coach Monty Williams, Booker averaged 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.

However, the Suns have struggled to replicate that finals appearance, facing elimination in the second round in subsequent seasons against the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets. Last playoffs, Booker averaged a career-high 33.7 points over 11 games, yet his team fell short of reaching the Western Conference Final.


As Booker's impressive scoring has waned in this year's playoffs, fans and analysts are beginning to speculate whether the pressure of postseason expectations is impacting his and the Suns' performance.

Source Burn City Sports : Is it time to question whether Devin Booker is overrated or not?
Source Athlon Sports : Charles Barkley Sums Up Devin Booker's Character In Two Words