Chris Paul # 3 of the Phoenix Suns talks to Devin Booker # 1 during the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns Arena on December 29, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns have an All-Star this season, but there’s a good thing they should have had two. While point guard Chris Paul was named in the Western Conference All-Star Reserve on Tuesday, shooting guard Devin Booker was not.
The Athletics’s Shams Charania first reported the news.
For the second consecutive year, Booker was not nominated on the original list of All-Star reserves. He was a replacement for Damian Lillard, Portland, last year, and could once again line up with injured Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis under the reserves.
His numbers per game this season are lower, but his efficiency is higher. Booker averages 24.7 points, 4.3 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 50% off the field. He also scored 38% of the three-point series.
Booker comes strong at the end of the 20-10 Suns, who won 12 of their last 14 by Tuesday. His monthly averages reflect his steady improvement over the course of the year, as he scored 20.2 points in December, 24.3 in January and 26.8 points so far in February.
While the coaches ‘votes for the All-Star reserves were already due before Phoenix beat the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night, Booker’s 34-point outburst in 29 minutes is an example of his impact on the team, as it’s after’ a second consecutive 30-plus-point victory.
“There’s no doubt about it,” head coach Monty Williams said after the 132-100 victory. ‘Nobody can debate Book’s not an All-Star. End of story. “
Paul earned his place on the roster in his 16th NBA season by finishing sixth in the league in figures per game (8.5), including a 19-yard touchdown run against the Pelicans on Friday night.
Paul, who was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the off-season, scored 16.6 points, 8.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 49% off the field and 40% deep.
Paul made ten trips to the All-Star Game this season. He undertook an annual pilgrimage between 2008 and 2016 and reappeared with Oklahoma City last season.
Paul will take part in the Western Conference All-Star Series this year by opening guards Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic, plus starting players LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard.
The NBA All-Star Game will be held on Sunday, March 7 at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
Here are the Western Conference reserves reported by Charania:
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Mitchell, Jazz in Utah
Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans