So, there I was, scrolling through my Twitter feed the other day, when I stumbled upon a tweet that made my eyes pop out. Some kid had just scored 70 points in an NBA game. Now, I'm no stranger to basketball, but 70 points? That's like scoring a touchdown every minute in an NFL game. I had to find out more.
Meet Devin Booker
Turns out, the young gun was none other than Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns' shooting guard. Now, I've heard of him, but I didn't know he was that good. But 70 points? That's not just good, that's exceptional. So, I started digging, and that's when I found out something even more astonishing.
How Old Was He?
You might be thinking, "Okay, he's good, but how old is this guy?" Well, hold onto your hats, folks. Devin Booker was just 20 years old when he scored those 70 points. Yes, you read that right. Twenty. I had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn't April Fool's Day.
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Let that sink in for a moment. Most of us were still figuring out how to parallel park at 20, let alone leading an NBA team to a victory with a score that's usually reserved for video game highlights. But here's Booker, breaking records like they're made of glass.
March 24, 2017
Now, let's rewind to March 24, 2017. That's the day Booker made history. The Suns were playing against the Boston Celtics, and let's just say, it was a night to remember. Booker started the game like he meant business, scoring 19 points in the first quarter alone. By halftime, he had already racked up 36 points. I must have missed the memo that said it was a 'Bookerthon' that night.
The crowd was electric, and so was Booker. He kept pouring in points, breaking the Suns' franchise record for most points in a game, which was previously held by none other than the legendary Kobe Bryant. By the end of the game, Booker had scored a whopping 70 points. The crowd erupted, and rightfully so. They had just witnessed history in the making.
Not Just Points, But Mamba Mentality
But here's the thing, folks. It's not just about the points. It's about the way he scored them. Booker was calm, collected, and composed. He wasn't forcing shots or trying to prove a point. He was playing basketball the way it's meant to be played - with skill, grace, and a whole lot of heart. It was like watching a young Kobe Bryant out there, and that's no small compliment.
Devin Booker scores 70 points in an NBA game | OffTheBall
After the game, Booker was humble as ever. He dedicated his performance to the late Kobe Bryant, saying, "I just wanted to go out there and play hard, and play the way he would have wanted me to play." Now that's what I call Mamba Mentality.
What's Next for Booker?
So, what's next for this young phenom? Well, the sky's the limit, isn't it? At just 24 years old, Booker is already one of the NBA's brightest stars. He's got the skills, the drive, and the humility to go far. I, for one, can't wait to see what he does next.
And to all the young ballers out there, take note. If a 20-year-old can score 70 points in an NBA game, what's stopping you from achieving greatness in your own right? Keep pushing, keep practicing, and who knows? You might just make history one day too.
Until next time, folks. This has been your friendly neighborhood basketball enthusiast, signing off.