Last night as half the world watched University of Kentucky’s star point guard, De’Aaron Fox, face off against Lavar Ball’s eldest son, Lonzo Ball and the UCLA Bruins, the other half witnessed former UK superstar, Devin Booker, make history.
In his sophomore season, the 20-year-old Phoenix Suns shooting guard stamped his name in NBA history books with his record-setting performance against the Boston Celtics. Although the team still took an L, Booker fulfilled a major accomplishment, landing him among one of the greatest of all time, Wilt Chamberlain.
Booker sank 21 of 40 shots, including 4 of 11 from beyond the arc. In addition, Booker hit 24 of 26 free throws, racking up a total of 70 points. The baller’s big scoring night, secured him the ninth spot on a list of ballers who’ve scored at least 50 points this season. According to reports, the most the Celtics had ever given up to one player was 64, before Booker came through and dropped 70, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score that many points.
In the second half alone, Booker secured 51 points, four less than Kobe Bryant’s second half of his legendary scoring night, when he dropped 81 in 2006.
Booker’s 70-point game also broke the team’s record for points in a game, passing Tom Chambers’ 1990 60-point record against the Seattle SuperSonics. Also, Booker’s record-setting night landed him sixth on the points scored list, which is still led by Chamberlain with 100 points, followed by Bryant with 81. However, Booker’s new record is now shared with Chamberlain who hit 70 six times.
