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Devin Booker · Burdened by the stresses of single-digit games in nine of their season’s first 10 matchups — and an overtime affair two nights prior — Devin Booker, by being spot-on, found a way to give his Phoenix Suns teammate something of an off night. In full command of the crunchtime spotlight with both of his All-Star running mates injured, Booker, first directing traffic, switches free of the always-energetic Collin Sexton to hunt out second-year talent Keyonte George in isolation. At first matching the Utah Jazz’s namesake with a rhythmic, lull-to-sleep dribble, Booker, smooth and unrushed in his flow, transitions into a pull-up triple, all but closing the door on the opposition’s comeback hopes. Booker’s efforts guided Phoenix to both a resilient, depth-testing win on November 12, 2024, and a flawless start to the NBA Cup competition. Superb as usual, the four-time All-Star’s ending tally saw 31 points (on 11-of-20 shooting), two rebounds, four assists, two steals, two blocks, and a team-high five 3-pointers. · State of Mint