Devin Booker Drops 43 as Suns Hand Warriors First 0-3 Start in 19 Years

Devin Booker took over Phoenix’s home opener Saturday night, scoring 43 points as the Suns beat the short-handed Golden State Warriors 131-122. Booker shot 17-for-25 from the field, added seven rebounds and seven assists, and scored 17 points in the third quarter as Phoenix pulled away after a sluggish start. The victory gave the Suns their fifth straight home-opening win.

Golden State entered the game without Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski and Al Horford, but rookie Yaxel Lendeborg gave the Warriors another encouraging performance. Lendeborg scored a season-high 26 points and made six 3-pointers, while De’Anthony Melton added 25. Phoenix eventually created separation behind Booker and a balanced supporting group that included Miles Bridges, Dillon Brooks and Luke Kennard.

The result created two very different early-season storylines. Phoenix bounced back from an ugly 41-point season-opening loss in Portland, with Booker responding like the franchise centerpiece the Suns need him to be. Golden State, meanwhile, fell to 0-3 for the first time in 19 years. The Warriors had legitimate scheduling and injury excuses Saturday, but the winless start still adds urgency to Monday’s trip to Denver. For Phoenix, Booker’s 43-point response was exactly what the Suns needed after a disastrous opener.