Devin Booker scores career-high 38 in Suns’ OT win vs. Pelicans

Former University of Kentucky star Devin Booker scored a career-high 38 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 112-111 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. That included a baseline jumper that sent the game to OT.

“Those are the moments I live for,” Booker said. “Growing up as a kid, playing in the front yard. Just taking those shots. … I knew I’d always be in this situation. I knew I wanted to be that guy, the man. I’ve missed a lot of clutch shots so far, but they say the misses make you better. I just stayed with it, stayed confident.”

“He made a great shot, a contested jump shot,” Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry told the Associated Press. “He’s a great player.”

Booker, who just turned 20 years old, had started out the season slowly while playing with a sprained toe. He was 13-for-22 from the field, including 3-for-7 from long range, and he hit all nine of his free-throw attempts.

The Suns improved to 2-4 while the Pelicans dropped to 0-6.

“We know people are doubting us, but we don’t think about that,” Booker said. “Every time we step on the floor we’re going to compete. We don’t take any teams lightly.”

In a game that featured five ex-Cats on the rosters, Booker got help from Eric Bledsoe (17 points, seven rebounds and four assists) and Brandon Knight (10 points).

Anthony Davis only took 11 shots for the Pelicans, and he made seven of those. He had 22 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks. Terrence Jones made his first start of the season for New Orleans, and he finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four blocks.

Suns rookie Tyler Ulis did not play.

This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 11:24 PM with the headline "Devin Booker scores career-high 38 in Suns’ OT win vs. Pelicans."