As the point total next to Devin Booker’s name continued to expand on the scoreboard with one pull-up after another — first from 24 after the first quarter to 37 by halftime — the New Orleans Pelicans’ defense found itself forced to deal with an unfortunate epiphany: the Phoenix Suns star’s avalanche on April Fool’s Day wouldn’t soon become something to joke about. An unguardable blend of style and substance, the four-time All-Star hammers in yet another nail, surprising First Team All-Defense selection Herb Jones with a rhythmic between-the-leg sidestep before connecting on an off-balanced triple. The man affectionately known as “Book” would’ve been better regarded as “History Book” as he entered Smoothie King Center with dozens of friends and relatives in attendance. Using a fittingly feather-like scoring touch, Booker burned New Orleans for 52 points (on 28 shots), three rebounds, nine assists, and eight 3-pointers on April 1, 2024, helping Phoenix snag both a win and ultimately, the coveted No. 6 seed. With 52 and 58 in his two previous encounters, Booker also became just NBA history’s second-ever player to accumulate three straight 50-point showcases against the same opponent. · Apr 2, 2024