Devin Booker carved out a spot in the NBA’s history book on Friday night. The Suns’ 20-year-old guard became the sixth player in league history to hit the 70-point mark in a game, scoring exactly that many against the Boston Celtics in a 130-120 loss as he sent the NBA world into a frenzy.
It was the first time that someone dropped 70+ since Kobe Bryant went for 81 against the Toronto Raptors. As it turns out, Kobe had a hand in tonight’s performance, too. After the game, Booker explained how the Lakers legend helped shape the mentality that led to his record-setting night – Booker’s night featured the most points ever scored by a player younger than 21.
Booker says he learned from Kobe never to set a limit when you're scoring pic.twitter.com/vEZqY7xIZA
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) March 25, 2017
“I’ve seen an interview with Kobe where he said what separated him from a lot of people … he thought everyone thought 30 points was a lot,” Booker said. “He said he never set himself with a limit. And that always sticks in my head.
“I don’t put a limit around anything,” the second-year guard continued. “I want to be the best in life in all parts of life.”
That last sentence may be the most Kobe-esque thing we’ve heard out of a player since he retired. Kobe was apparently paying attention tonight, as he decided to show the Suns’ young star some love.
When we feel defeated we listen to Paul Ryan. 🙃
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) March 25, 2017
It’s good to know that even though Bean is busy attending ceremonies for Shaquille O’Neal, Booker is leading a new generation of players who are inspired by the Kobe System.
