Devin Booker is one of the best players in the NBA and is used to having the ball in his hands.
However, the Phoenix Suns star had to take on a new role during his playing time for the US team.
Booker was fantastic in his unfamiliar role and his play caught the attention of many people.
On Friday, Kendrick Perkins of ESPN spoke about Booker at First Take.
Perkins: “I want to tell you who the unsung hero was throughout the tournament. It was Devin Booker. Devin Booker was phenomenal. Devin Booker was in the game yesterday when it mattered most and he played his role perfectly.”
.@KendrickPerkins says Devin Booker was the secret hero of the US team 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fq8skKTkUM
— First Take (@FirstTake) 9 August 2024
Booker finished Thursday with 95-91 victory over Serbia with six points and one assist, while shooting 2/4 from the field and 1/2 from three-point range in 24 minutes of playing time.
“When Devin Booker hit the 3 at the top of the free throw line, I felt the momentum shift.”
Steph Curry over Booker 3 in 8-2 #TeamUSA run. Kevin Durant scored the remaining 5 points as the USA cut Serbia’s lead to five points and moved into fourth place.
History on #Sun Duo influence in comeback win.👇#Paris2024 https://t.co/RpuV5i1m31 pic.twitter.com/5f7U0Yf9dF
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) 9 August 2024
The US team will now face France for the gold medal on Saturday.
Booker won a gold medal in 2020.
Last season, Booker averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game in 68 games, shooting 49.2% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.
The Suns have one of the best rosters in the NBA, led by Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal (and Booker).
However, they were swept off the court in the first round of the NBA playoffs by Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Booker is entering his 10th season in the NBA and has spent his entire career with the Suns.
