On this day in Phoenix Suns history, Devin Booker etched his name into NBA playoff lore with a performance that Suns fans — and basketball fans everywhere — will never forget. It was June 20, 2021, Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and with superstar teammate Chris Paul sidelined due to health and safety protocols, Booker delivered a masterpiece: 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. It wasn’t just a statement — it was a historic triple-double that powered Phoenix to a 120-114 win over the Los Angeles Clippers and set the tone for a thrilling series.
In the absence of CP3, all eyes turned to Booker. Would he rise to the moment or crumble under the playoff pressure? The answer was loud and clear: Book came out firing, leading with poise, grit, and an assassin’s scoring touch. And in doing so, he became the first Suns player since Steve Nash in 2005 to record a triple-double in a playoff game — and the first ever to do it while scoring 40+ points.
The Pressure of the Moment
The stage couldn’t have been more daunting. It was Phoenix’s first trip to the Western Conference Finals in 11 years, and expectations were sky-high. After knocking off the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the first round and sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the second, the Suns were suddenly looking like title contenders.
But with Chris Paul unexpectedly sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols, the burden of leadership fell squarely on Booker’s shoulders. He didn’t flinch.
“I was built for this,” Booker said after the game, ice still wrapped around his knees, exhaustion visible on his face but pride pouring out in his words. “This is everything I’ve worked for. This is everything we’ve worked for.”
The Performance
From the very first quarter, it was clear Booker was locked in. He sliced through the Clippers’ defense, knocked down midrange jumpers, drained threes, and found open teammates with precision. Whether he was coming off a screen, finishing at the rim, or pulling up in transition, Book was in complete control.
But what made the performance truly legendary wasn’t just the scoring — it was the all-around brilliance. His 13 rebounds included key defensive boards late in the game, and his 11 assists came at crucial moments, especially when the Clippers began throwing traps and doubles at him.
With under three minutes left in the game and the Suns clinging to a small lead, Booker hit one of his signature pull-up jumpers over Patrick Beverley — a moment that brought the crowd to its feet and all but sealed the win.
When the final buzzer sounded, Suns Arena (now Footprint Center) erupted. The Suns were up 1-0 in the series, and Devin Booker had officially arrived as a certified playoff superstar.
Reactions from the NBA World
Booker’s performance immediately sent shockwaves through the league. Fellow players, coaches, and analysts took to Twitter and postgame shows to praise his poise and shot-making ability.
Kevin Durant tweeted, “Book different.”
Magic Johnson posted, “Devin Booker had a performance for the ages today. 40-point triple-double? That’s superstar status.”
Suns head coach Monty Williams didn’t hold back his admiration either. “That was one of the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed,” he said. “Not just the scoring — the leadership, the rebounding, the passing, the way he controlled the game. That’s what we ask our best players to do, and Book delivered.”
A Defining Moment in Suns History
The Suns franchise has had its share of legends: Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson, Amar’e Stoudemire, Steve Nash. But what Booker did in Game 1 was something unique. It symbolized the dawn of a new era — one in which Phoenix had not just a star, but the star capable of carrying them to the promised land.
This game is now etched in the minds of Suns fans alongside Barkley’s 1993 heroics and Nash’s unforgettable playoff runs. For many, it was the first time they saw Booker not just as a young scorer, but as a complete player and leader.
In a league obsessed with triple-doubles and scoring milestones, Booker’s 40-point, 13-rebound, 11-assist masterpiece stood tall because of its timing and impact. It wasn’t empty numbers — it was playoff survival. It was playoff dominance.
What Came Next
The Suns would go on to win the series in six games, securing their first trip to the NBA Finals since 1993. Though they ultimately fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 playoff run marked a turning point for the franchise and for Booker’s career.
From that point forward, Booker was viewed differently — no longer just a high-volume scorer on a struggling team, but a legitimate face of the league. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals was the launchpad.
Final Thoughts
#OTD in Suns history, Devin Booker didn’t just fill the stat sheet — he inspired a city. His 40-point triple-double was more than a box score line. It was heart. It was leadership. It was proof that the Suns were no longer the league’s afterthought — they were contenders.
And on that day in June 2021, the legend of Book took flight.
Forever remembered. Forever Phoenix.
