The Phoenix Suns have started the 2025-26 NBA season slowly, particularly on the road, as they grapple with defensive shortcomings and an undermanned wing rotation. Still, Devin Booker is producing at an All-NBA level, joining elite company with his well-rounded, efficient offensive production early in Year 11.
Once the go-to scorer on a title contender, Booker now finds himself as the primary offensive initiator of a retooling Phoenix squad seeking to find its footing in the franchise’s post-Kevin Durant era. Though losses are already beginning to pile up, the 29-year-old has been a nightly 30-point threat.
Which Exclusive Offensive Club Did Devin Booker Join With His Hot Start?
During Tuesday’s 118-107 road loss to the Golden State Warriors, Booker posted a season-high 38 points on a blistering 13-for-24 shooting (54.2%), going a perfect 11-for-11 from the charity stripe. 17 of his points came in the third quarter as he didn’t miss a single field goal (5-for-5) or free throw (6-for-6) while attempting to rally his squad back from a 25-point first-half deficit.
While his efforts proved futile despite bringing the Suns within single digits, Booker’s offensive dominance placed him in rarified air. The following day, the organization announced that the four-time All-Star became the fourth player in NBA history to average 30-plus points and 5-plus assists while shooting at least 50% from the field and 40% from 3 through their first eight games of a season.
He joins NBA legends Larry Bird (1984-85) and Michael Jordan (1992-93), and Warriors sharpshooting maestro Stephen Curry (twice) in accomplishing the feat.
Players in NBA history thru their first 8 games of a season with:
30+ PPG
5+ APG
50+ FG%
40+ 3FG%Devin Booker (this season)
Stephen Curry (twice)
Larry Bird (1984-85)
Michael Jordan (1992-93) pic.twitter.com/tJXdBs43vC— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 5, 2025
Booker has now scored at least 30 points in six of his first eight outings, averaging a career-high 31.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 2.8 3-pointers per game on standout 51.6/43.1/86.1 shooting splits.
According to the superstar shooting guard, he has benefited from first-year coach Jordan Ott’s movement-heavy offensive system.
“I’d say it’s just the movement around. It opens up space for me to operate,” Booker said postgame. “We have some good things implemented that free up some good looks.”
Even so, Booker will need his team to lock in defensively to avoid letting his career year go to waste. Phoenix allowed 27 fast-break points against Golden State, with 17 coming in the first half.
“Just not following the game plan,” Booker shared. “It’s tough, a veteran team that’s definitely battle-tested. They make you pay for every mistake. We got to come in more focused, and we got to rally the troops. We got to get off to a better start and play how we played in the third quarter.”
With the disheartening loss, the Suns (3-5) dropped to 0-4 on the road, a troubling sign for their playoff hopes. However, they’ve been playing without wings Jalen Green (hamstring) and Dillon Brooks (groin).
While Brooks is set to miss his sixth straight contest during Thursday’s home clash against the Los Angeles Clippers (3-4), Green is listed as probable to make his Phoenix debut. The fifth-year player’s addition to the lineup should give the Suns another reliable offensive option outside of Booker, though he isn’t projected to boost their 22nd-ranked defensive rating (116.6).
