I still remember the first time I watched Devin Booker take over a playoff game. It was Game 3 of the 2021 Western Conference Finals, and he dropped 40 points against the Clippers with that smooth, effortless scoring that’s become his signature. As someone who’s followed the NBA for over two decades, I’ve seen plenty of talented scorers come and go, but what Booker brings feels different. He’s not just putting up numbers—he’s reshaping how we think about offensive execution in today’s game. When we talk about Booker NBA dominance, we’re discussing a player who has elevated his performance precisely when the stakes are highest, in those championship-deciding moments that define careers.
The evolution of Booker’s game has been fascinating to watch. From his 70-point explosion as a 20-year-old to his current status as a complete offensive engine, he’s systematically addressed every weakness in his arsenal. His three-point percentage has climbed from 34.3% in his rookie season to a career-high 38.3% during the 2022-23 campaign, and he’s doing this on significantly higher volume, attempting over seven threes per game compared to just three during his first year. But what truly separates him is his mid-range mastery, a dying art that he’s resurrected with stunning efficiency. Last season, he shot 52.7% from between 10-19 feet, a number that places him in the 94th percentile among all guards. These aren’t just empty stats—they’re the building blocks of a player who can score from anywhere, against any defense, in any situation.
What really cemented Booker’s status as a game-changer was the Suns’ 2021 playoff run. I’ve always believed that true superstars reveal themselves in elimination games, and Booker’s performance throughout that postseason was a masterclass in clutch scoring. He averaged 27.3 points while shooting 44.7% from the field against the league’s best defenses, but more importantly, he demonstrated a poise that you simply can’t teach. In Game 3 of the Finals against Milwaukee, with the series tied 2-2, he put up 40 points despite the loss, showing the kind of resilience that separates good players from legendary ones. This brings me to that compelling question from our reference point: will the same story be told when two league titans play another championship-deciding Game 3? Based on what I’ve seen from Booker’s development, I’m convinced the narrative is shifting in his favor.
The most impressive aspect of Booker’s dominance isn’t just his scoring—it’s his playmaking evolution. Over the past three seasons, his assist numbers have jumped from 4.7 to 6.5 per game while his turnovers have remained relatively stable. He’s reading defenses with the sophistication of a 10-year veteran, making the right pass instead of forcing difficult shots. I’ve noticed how he’s incorporated more subtle elements into his game: the way he uses his eyes to misdirect defenders, his improved footwork on step-back jumpers, and his understanding of when to push the tempo versus when to slow the game down. These nuances might not show up in highlight reels, but they’re what make him nearly impossible to game plan against in a seven-game series.
Defensively, Booker has made strides that many critics claimed he never would. He’s never going to be an All-Defensive team selection, but he’s transformed from a liability into a competent defender who understands positioning and team schemes. The Suns’ defensive rating with him on the court improved from 112.3 in 2020-21 to 109.8 last season, evidence that he’s buying into the system rather than just conserving energy for offense. This two-way growth is crucial when considering future championship scenarios. If the Suns find themselves in another Game 3 with everything on the line, Booker’s improved defense could be the difference between a heroic performance and a legendary one.
Looking at the current NBA landscape, I’m convinced Booker represents the new archetype of the championship-caliber shooting guard. He combines the scoring prowess of traditional two-guards with the playmaking responsibilities typically reserved for point guards. His true shooting percentage of 60.5% over the past two seasons places him among the most efficient high-volume scorers in league history. But statistics only tell part of the story. Having watched countless hours of game footage, what stands out to me is his basketball IQ—the way he manipulates defenses, identifies mismatches, and controls the game’s tempo without ever appearing rushed. These qualities become magnified in those critical Game 3 situations where seasons are made or broken.
As the NBA continues to evolve toward positionless basketball, Booker’s versatility becomes increasingly valuable. He can function as the primary ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations (accounting for 38.7% of his offensive possessions last season), operate effectively off the ball as a catch-and-shoot threat (where he shot 41.2%), and create his own shot in isolation when the offense stagnates. This multifaceted skillset makes him uniquely equipped to handle the pressure of championship-deciding games. While some players shrink in those moments, Booker seems to expand, feeding off the defensive attention to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Reflecting on Booker’s journey, I can’t help but draw comparisons to other shooting guards who eventually led their teams to championships. Like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade before him, Booker has faced his share of criticism early in his career—accusations of empty stats on losing teams, defensive limitations, and questionable leadership. But similar to those legends, he’s systematically addressed each concern while maintaining his scoring excellence. The Suns’ transformation from lottery regular to championship contender parallels Booker’s own development from pure scorer to complete superstar. This progression suggests that when the next championship-deciding Game 3 arrives, Booker will be better prepared than ever to write his own story rather than reliving someone else’s narrative.
The beauty of Booker’s game lies in its timeless quality. In an era dominated by three-point shooting and analytics, he’s proven that there’s still immense value in mastering the fundamentals: footwork, shot creation, and mid-range efficiency. His ability to score at all three levels forces defenses to make impossible choices, creating cascading advantages for his team. As we look toward future playoffs and potential championship scenarios, I believe Booker’s unique offensive toolkit gives him a distinct advantage in those tight, physical games where every possession matters. The next time we see him in a decisive Game 3, I expect we’ll witness a player who has not only learned from past experiences but has evolved beyond them, ready to author a new chapter in his already impressive career.