PHOENIX — Phoenix Suns point guard Devin Booker is one of the league’s top scorers, though he earned even more respect after leading Team USA to another gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Booker — on a team full of superstars — had to adjust from his typical role of scoring nearly 30 points a night to that of a defensive stopper and off-the-ball runner to make Steve Kerr’s system work.
“Devin Booker is an incredible basketball player. Nobody asked him about him. He was our unsung MVP. I just wanted to say that,” Kerr said after the United States beat France for gold.
During an appearance at Fanatics Fest with Kevin Durant, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards echoed Kerr’s sentiments:
“Steph had great games, he (KD) had great games, LeBron had great games, but Book was defending the best player, denying shots… Book scores 70 [in NBA games]”I’m not going to lie: I was impressed watching it,” Edwards said.
Booker was a vital part of Team USA throughout its undefeated run, averaging 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Booker also shot 59 percent from three-point range.
During his time in Paris, Booker himself admitted to having “locked down” other aspects of the game besides scoring.
“You never know when your night is going to come,” Booker said.
“It’s important to understand the details of the game, to defend at a high level, that’s what the team needs.”
For Booker, it was all about putting Phoenix on the map.
“We have Phoenix everywhere. We also have three players on the women’s team, so we’re well represented. It’s a basketball town and we want to put the city on the map. There’s no better way than to win gold,” he said.
Mission accomplished.
