In the season opener for both teams in 2023–24, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors by a score of 108–104 thanks largely to the efforts of Devin Booker. Booker started the game on fire for Phoenix, and Kevin Durant summed up his performance in two words after the game: “on fire.”

Booker led the Suns in scoring with 32 points on 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 13 assists on 21 field goal attempts in his team’s season opener. Booker had a better game than Durant (18 PTS, 11 REB, 3 AST, 7/22 FGM), and Durant acknowledged as much after the game.

There is room for Durant to have an awful night like this because of the offensive depth the Suns possess. Of course, that calls for a change in leadership, and Booker stepped up to the plate against the Warriors. With Bradley Beal out of the lineup, the Suns’ potential is even higher than they showed against the Warriors. This should give the rest of the NBA pause.

Even though the Suns had a rough go of it at times, they were able to pull out the win, which is really all that matters in the season opener. However, the Suns have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this year thanks to Devin Booker’s midseason form, and even more so if Kevin Durant (and perhaps even Bradley Beal) can find their groove.