Devin Booker Might Struggle With Mask, Chris Paul Will Dominate and Other Clippers vs Suns Predictions By Charles Barkley

Devin Booker has been a revelation in these playoffs. A breakout post-season for the 24-year-old with aid from co-star Chris Paul and the rest of his supporting cast now sees the Suns with a 2-1 lead in the conference finals. And while opposition star Kawhi Leonard remains out indefinitely, the road to the NBA Finals is anything but straightforward.

In fact, Booker is clearly giving his all playing through sweat and hurt, channeling his inner Mamba Mentality. And while Booker had an off night in Game 3, perhaps owing to getting used to a face mask, he refused to blame that for a sub-par performance. Booker had broken his nose in Game 2 following an accidental head-butt from Clippers guard Patrick Beverley.

Jun 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives to the basket against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Read More – Paul George vs Devin Booker: A Rivalry Where History Runs Deep

Devin Booker’s nose was broken in three places and doctors reset it yesterday, he told @Rachel__Nichols.

Booker is wearing a mask for Game 3 and when asked about it limiting his peripheral vision, he told Rachel: “all I need to see is the basket.”

( @NBA) pic.twitter.com/l0rKkCArKn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 25, 2021

As Booker played through the irritation and the adjustment to the mask, he missed a high volume of shots in Game 3. DBook only scored 15 points, on 5-21 shooting from the floor, while going 1 of 7 from beyond the arc!

Also Read – WATCH: Suns’ Devin Booker Left with Bloodied Face after Clash with Clippers’ Patrick Beverley

Charles Barkley calls for a big game from Devin Booker

Many analysts and league experts came to Booker’s rescue following the disappointment in Game 3, calling it an aberration. In what has been a spectacular playoff run, he is currently averaging 27.2ppg/6.9rpg/5.3apg while shooting it at 46% from the field.

Phoenix fans will hope to see the same old Booker that dominated the court in the same building when they faced the defending champion Lakers in Round 1.

Hall of Famer and Inside the NBA co-host Charles Barkley sympathized with Booker, as he knows the adjustment of playing with a mask in crucial playoff matchups.

Barkley commented by saying – “I have played with that mask. You can’t see. You can only see straight forward. You can’t see who to your left, you can’t see who to your right.” 

When asked about Booker’s struggles in Game 3 at Staples Center he said, “The guy had a rough night. It’s gonna take him time to adjust to that mask. It’s gonna take some adjustment.” 

The Hall of Famer penciled in a dominant showing from the Chris Paul Devin Booker duo in Game 4 tonight, which would then hand Phoenix a 3-1 lead, going back home.

“I’m really looking forward to the game tomorrow because I think Chris will be better cuz he actually had a game under his sleeve, and Book will have some time adjusting. I’ll be surprised if he wears that mask unless the doctor forced him.”

“You look like you spent some time in a torture chamber.”

The Inside guys roasted Chuck for comparing his mask to Devin Booker’s. pic.twitter.com/PiNWV0zKY2

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) June 26, 2021

Watch this story – From Attending NBA Finals To Awarding Michael Jordan A Medal: Best Barack Obama NBA Moments.

Game 4, coming up next

Finally, Barkley chimed in on the predictions going around, as he said – “Give the Clippers credit. But let’s stop beating their drum talking about how great they were defensively. One guy hadn’t played, one guy out there can’t see.”

“So tomorrow to me is going to be a big game. But, let’s get one thing straight. All the pressure is on the clippers. They have to win these 2 games. They win tomorrow; the series is a wrap!”

The story of the Phoenix Suns, all the way from the Bubble last season has been nothing short of a dream for the fans back in Arizona. The franchise’s fanbase has been through it all. It was always a GOAT candidate that stood in their way! Whether it was Bryant in 2005-06 or MJ in 1993, Phoenix has never won a title.

Jan 1, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and center DeAndre Ayton (22) and forward Jae Crowder (99) react following a fourth quarter time out against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

But, with a new season, comes hope! And with hope, came a season that surprised even the most ardent Suns fans who now see their team in the Western Conference Finals with a 2-1 lead.

With Phoenix just 2 games away from an NBA Finals spot, will they represent the West? Or will the Clippers who are also bidding for their first trip to the Finals crash the parade? Game 4, Next!

The post Devin Booker Might Struggle With Mask, Chris Paul Will Dominate and Other Clippers vs Suns Predictions By Charles Barkley appeared first on EssentiallySports.