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Devin Booker's Historic 52-Point Night Leads Suns Past Pelicans

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, center, knocks the ball away from Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr., left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Phoenix.

Phoenix Suns' star Devin Booker put on a show against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring an impressive 52 points in a 124-111 victory. This remarkable performance marked Booker's third consecutive game with at least 50 points against the Pelicans, a feat only achieved by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain.

Booker's dominance against New Orleans has been undeniable, with a total of 162 points in their last three matchups, setting a new record for the most points scored by a player against a single opponent in a three-game span over the past 50 seasons.

Booker attributed his success to playing in front of friends and family from his hometown of Moss Point, Mississippi, who were in attendance at the Smoothie King Center. He expressed his gratitude for being mentioned in the same breath as Wilt Chamberlain, acknowledging the significance of his achievement.

The Suns' victory pulled them within one game of the Pelicans in the standings as both teams vie to secure a favorable playoff position and avoid the play-in tournament. With a challenging schedule ahead, including key matchups against playoff contenders, Phoenix aims to build on the momentum from Monday's win and maintain consistency in their performance.

Head coach Frank Vogel praised Booker's aggressive mindset and versatility on the court, highlighting his ability to score in various ways within the flow of the game. Teammate Kevin Durant marveled at Booker's scoring prowess, emphasizing his seamless integration into the team's offensive schemes.

The Suns now look ahead to a crucial stretch of games, including a rematch against the Pelicans in Phoenix, as they strive to secure their playoff berth and make a deep postseason run. With Booker leading the charge, Phoenix remains a formidable force in the competitive Western Conference.

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