Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker scored a truly remarkable 70 points Friday against the Celtics, becoming only the sixth player ever to put up that many in a single game. The list of highest scoring single games in NBA history is a bunch of Hall of Famers and Booker, a 20-year-old in his second year.
There was one problem with the incredible performance, however: The Suns lost to the Celtics 130-120.
And though Phoenix’s players surely wanted to win the game, they weren’t exactly devastated after the defeat.
The Suns’ celebrating after a loss rubbed the victorious Celtics the wrong way. Boston forward Jae Crowder commented on the NBA’s Instagram photo, “NEVER SEEN SO MANY GUYS HAPPY AFTER AN ‘L,'” to which Booker promptly responded, “you can’t guard me.”
https://twitter.com/afigman/status/845477363987222528
Crowder then wrote, “? I WAS TALKING BOUT THEM DUDES AROUND YOU. BUT IL SEE YOU NEXT YR.!”
Meanwhile, Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas wouldn’t even discuss Booker, saying “We’re worried about the playoffs. They’re worried about the lottery.”
Isaiah Thomas was not impressed by Devin Booker's 70-point night in a loss. pic.twitter.com/Lbd7fhxXas
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 25, 2017
Maybe the Celtics should lighten up just a little? Clearly Booker’s game was incredible, and there’s no harm in admitting it. In fact, Boston players should be happy. They got the win they wanted, and the Suns got a fun performance to smile about in a lost season.
In some ways, from the Suns’ front office’s perspective, Friday night was perfect. Booker delivered an exciting and memorable performance while looking like a budding superstar, while the team racked up another loss to improve its lottery prospects.
So let’s just admire Devin Booker and leave it at that.
