On Friday night Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns faced the new Indiana Pacers on the anniversary night of Kobe Bryant’s passing, in their third home game since acquiring Pascal Siakam. Booker has been on an absolute tear in the last period, demolishing many of the Suns’ last opponents and allowing Phoenix to skyrocket up the Western Conference standings.
This explosion continued Friday night in Indiana, where Booker put up an impressive 29 points in the first quarter alone against the Pacers. Indeed, Devin Booker’s feat was so impressive that he entered NBA history, joining Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as the only player since the 1996-97 season with at least three quarters of 28 or more points in his career, according to reports from the Suns on X.
Book joins Kobe Bryant as the only players since the 96-97 season with at least three career 28+ point quarters. (h/t @Stathead) pic.twitter.com/yPPbs3jAvh
– Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 27, 2024
Friday marked the anniversary of Bryant’s tragic death. He, his daughter Gianna and several other passengers died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. The event drew condolences from the entire basketball world, including Booker himself, who has long looked to Bryant as an inspiration.
The similarities between Booker’s and Bryant’s style of play can also be seen on the court, especially in Booker’s footwork when he gets to midrange.
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