Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns have joined a rare club (one George Gervin and David Thompson were already members of).
A few days after Towns did the same thing, Booker scored 62 points yet his team still lost. Booker and the Suns took on the Pacers Friday night and Booker came out on fire scoring 29 in the first quarter on his way to the seventh time in his career he scored 50+ points.
D-Book left it all on the floor tonight, scoring 62 points, including 37 in the 1st half.
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2024
This is the 2nd-highest scoring game of Booker's career (70). pic.twitter.com/nuPEwWbMNb
Despite Booker’s heroics, the Pacers hung around within striking distance, thanks in part to 31 points from Pascal Siakam.
In the fourth quarter, Indiana switched up its defensive scheme and started doubling Booker the second he touched the ball, trying to force any other Sun to beat them. They didn’t. That left the door open for a comeback, and Obi Toppin, who had 23 on the night, got his final two on a putback that proved to be the game-winner.
Obi Toppin's putback wins the game for the Pacers!
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2024
Pacers - 133
Suns - 131
Final pic.twitter.com/PJJIW8mYFJ
It was a big win for the Pacers, who have now won two straight with Siakam in the lineup (both without All-Star starter Tyrese Haliburton, who remains out with a hamstring strain). Both Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard added 22 for the Pacers.
The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak for the Suns. Kevin Durant added 20 for Phoenix.
