Devin Booker’s 70-Point Game: A Historic Performance in NBA History

When one thinks of a historic NBA performance, the name Devin Booker may not immediately come to mind. However, March 24, 2017, was a day that would forever etch his name in the annals of basketball history. In a game against the Boston Celtics, 20-year-old Booker broke records and set new benchmarks for young players in the league. Overlooking the final score, which favors the Celtics, it is the sheer magnitude of Booker’s performance that stands out.

The Unforgettable Performance

On that March evening in 2017, Devin Booker dropped a then-career-high 70 points on the Boston Celtics. At just 3/4 through his second NBA season, this was a monumental challenge and a signal of prodigious talent. Although the Suns lost the game to the Celtics, the record-breaking feat stands as one of the most impressive performances in NBA history. This game marked one of the most significant achievements in the history of the 70-point club, an elite group that includes only six players in NBA history.

Only 6 Players in NBA History

The statistic of scoring 70 points or more in a game is a rare and treasured feat. Only six players in NBA history have accomplished this staggering feat, of which Devin Booker and Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game are the only two within the 1980s.

Game Stat Analysis

Breaking down the game, Booker made a remarkable 21 field goals, which, at the time, was the fewest shot attempts for a game with 64 points. Despite taking fewer field goals, Booker shattered free-throw records as he shot an incredible 24 out of 26 from the line. His free-throw efficiency ranks him in the top 6 all time, cementing his place among the greats in this category.

The Game Score (GmSc)

Devin Booker’s game score (GmSc) for this historic 70-point performance was 54.5, placing him sixth all-time in this metric. GmSc, a measure that combines points, rebounds, assists, and other factors, gives a holistic view of a player’s overall performance. In this case, Booker is ranked behind only future Hall of Famers such as Michael Jordan (MJ), Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon (Hakeem), Karl Malone, and James Harden. These names are synonymous with elite play in the NBA, and being on a par with them is a significant accomplishment.

A Historic Gap in Performance

The difference between Booker’s best games and his second best is quite dramatic, with a 14.7 gap in GmSc. For a player who is still in his prime and may have many more chances to break records, this statistic serves as a testament to his potential and the impact he has made on the NBA landscape.

Conclusion

Yes, Devin Booker did score 70 points in a single game, and he achieved one of the most remarkable performances in NBA history. March 24, 2017, will always be a day that showcases the incredible talent and potential of this young star. As NBA fans, we are fortunate to witness such historic moments, and Booker’s name will undoubtedly be a part of many discussions and records for years to come.

Thanks for reading.

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