CNN
 — 

Devin Booker scored 52 factors because the Phoenix Suns recorded a significant 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.

The win strikes Phoenix to inside one recreation of the Pelicans in sixth place within the Western Convention, the ultimate automated playoff spot, as each groups bid to keep away from the Play-In Match.

Booker – who shot an environment friendly 67.9% from the ground, together with 8-of-16 from three – additionally registered 9 assists as all 5 of Suns starters scored in double figures, with middle Jusuf Nurkić placing up 19 factors and 19 rebounds and Kevin Durant registering 20 factors and 7 rebounds.

Remarkably, it was the third straight recreation wherein Booker has scored 50 or extra factors over the Pelicans, making him the primary participant since Wilt Chamberlain to register at the very least 50 factors in three consecutive video games over a single opponent, based on ESPN stats.

“Anytime you get named with Wilt, and it’s occurred a couple of instances in my profession, however you probably did one thing particular,” Booker stated.

“I simply really feel like I’m taking part in the identical means,” Booker added when requested about his current success in opposition to New Orleans. “I imply, the crib is shut. I’ve a variety of household in attendance. I grew up coming right here. It’s the primary NBA area I went to, so there’s some historical past right here.”

The Suns led by 27 factors within the third quarter, however the Pelicans got here again to shut to hole to simply seven within the fourth to arrange a nervy end.

New Orleans was led by Zion Williamson, who had 30 factors and 5 assists, whereas Trey Murphy III added 21 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists and two steals.

Nonetheless, it wasn’t sufficient to cease Booker and the Suns leaving New Orleans with an important victory.

Durant stated watching Booker, who additionally had 52 factors in opposition to the Pelicans in January, was “like déjà vu.”

“You lookup, he’s received 20 factors within the first quarter,” he stated, per ESPN. “Then what I liked about it, all the pieces was within the move of the sport from the beginning. Pin downs, catch-and-shoots, cuts to the rim, layups, going by means of pull-ups.

“That’s the signal of an otherworldly scorer when you are able to do it within the move of the offense like that.”