PHOENIX– Devin Booker and company stole the show during the Phoenix Suns' 131-122 takedown of the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

The eventful home opener ended with Booker scoring 43 points, matching his season-high from a year earlier in his second game of 2026-27.

That scoring wasn't necessarily the Suns' biggest victory during the preseason, but things changed.

His scoring was impressive, but it was the way he was doing it. But how did he get there?

Let’s take you into the third quarter, where he exploded for 17 of those 43 points. Much of the work was getting to his spots, but he played with more assertion on fast breaks. After all, the Suns capitalized and outscored the Warriors, 27-7 in that area.

Although Booker’s game is more about finesse and letting the offense come to him, attack mode had to come on.

“I don't know, I don't know,” Booker said when asked about being more assertive. “I'm just playing. I don't want to go into the game saying I'm going to force it tonight, but it's definitely in my head to be more assertive.”

Devin Booker’s explosion wasn’t much of a surprise

After the Suns' embarrassing loss in the season opener, something had to change. Funny enough, Booker talked about being more accountable, himself and the team.

There were moments he was visibly frustrated talking to guys about defensive coverage and lapses. That being said, there was a switch that flipped.

Article Continues Below

With 8:44 in the third quarter, Booker’s rebound catapulted the beginning of a comeback and a scoring surge invigorating the rather dull home crowd.

They sought something to ooh and ahh about, but when he was fouled on a 3-point shot and swished it with ease, that passion spilled out.

A 45-point third quarter and his 43-point masterclass saved Phoenix from an ugly 0-2 start. There are still some glaring issues to look at, such as the rebounding, defensive lapses, and lack of effort in specific possessions.

For whatever it’s worth, it’s the beginning of the season, so they have that on their side. But Booker can’t bail the Suns out every single time: it has to be a collective effort that doesn’t just rely on a superstar performance for the remaining 80 games.