NBA playoffs

Devin Booker thinking about Kobe during 47-point performance

Martin Mendoza

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Devin Booker thinking about Kobe during 47-point performance

BIG NIGHT. Devin Booker and the Suns wrap up their playoff series against the Lakers at the Staples Center.

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters

‘I know he was here tonight, I know he was in the building, I know he’s proud,’ says Devin Booker of the late great Kobe Bryant

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker delivered one of the greatest playoff performances in recent memory in the Suns’ 113-100 Game 6 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, June 3 (Friday, June 4, Manila time). 

The 24-year-old Booker exploded for 47 points on 8-of-10 shooting from three-point range, to go with 11 rebounds and 3 assists to help the Suns eliminate the defending champion Lakers.

As Booker walked off Staples Center after his dazzling 47-point performance, the two-time All-Star looked up and pointed his hands together at the two retired uniforms which inspired him to become the superstar that he is today.

“Honestly, I was thinking about [Kobe Bryant] and the conversations that we had,” said Booker, who averaged 29.7 points in his first ever playoff series.

“Seeing that 8 and that 24 (uniforms) up there, with the way that the lighting at Staples has right here, it feels like it’s shining down on you,” he added.

Selected 13th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, Booker is one of the league’s young stars who managed to go up against the Hall of Famer Bryant prior to his retirement.

Back in March 2016, Booker received a pair of signed Nike Kobe 11 sneakers from the five-time NBA champion Bryant with the phrase “Be Legendary” written on it.

Since Bryant’s shocking death in 2020, Booker has been wearing Bryant’s signature sneakers during games with “Be Legendary” markings on each pair.

More importantly, Booker has been channeling his inner “Mamba Mentality” to make sure his mentor Bryant is thrilled watching from above.

“I know he was here tonight, I know he was in the building, I know he’s proud,” said Booker.  – Rappler.com 

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