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Devin Booker will play in the Phoenix Suns' preseason finale against the LA Lakers on Thursday. The All-Star guard missed the last two games with an ankle injury he sustained in practice ahead of the Oct. 12 game against the Detroit Pistons. Coach Mike Budenholzer said Booker has recovered and will be good to go against LA.
His injury wasn't serious, and he was held out as a precaution so that he's 100% for opening night. Booker has struggled with injuries over the past couple of seasons, so it was probably the right call not to push himself for the exhibition games. He was already coming off a grueling Olympic run with Team USA in the summer.
The 27-year-old will hope for a better outing after struggling with his shot in the preseason opener against the Lakers and the following contest against the Pistons. Devin Booker went 4 of 12 from the field against LA and 4 of 13 against Detroit.
Nevertheless, his scoring prowess is well-known, and it won't be surprising to see him perform much better as the Suns round off their preseason preparations with a week left for opening night.
Devin Booker all in on Mike Budenholzer's offensive plans
The Suns have been an efficient jump-shooting team since their resurgence to the top of the West three years ago. However, the 3-point shot is not something they have relied on as much despite having quality shooters. The last two coaches, Monty Williams and Frank Vogel, both seemingly preferred more paint touches than long-distance shots.
However, that's changing with Mike Budenholzer taking charge. The Suns have already upped their attempts with every game in preseason, including 39 against the Lakers, 46 and 47 in their back-to-back against Detroit, and 52 in Sunday's game against Denver.
Devin Booker feels that's the right way to go and that they can keep looking for better opportunities from the 3-point range this year.
"I like it," Booker told Suns beat reporter Duane Rankin on Wednesday. "Obviously, you got to take what the defense gives you, but even attempting the 3-point shot, even if you're not making it, stretches all the defenses and opens up better lifts throughout the game. We have a lot of sharpshooters on this team."
Several teams, including the LA Lakers, have taken this approach ahead of the new season, entirely getting rid of the low 3-point shot volume concept.
How to watch Devin Booker in action during Lakers vs. Suns preseason game?
TNT will provide coverage of the Lakers-Suns game on Thursday. Meanwhile, Arizona's Family 3TV / Arizona's Family Sports and Spectrum SportsNet will provide local coverage of the contest. The game will begin at 10:00 p.m. ET at the Footprint Center.
