Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns sent the Los Angeles Lakers packing, NBA and NFL stars went wild
He even caught the eye of NFL stars, including fellow Arizona players Kyler Murray and J.J. Watt:
Booker’s 47 points are the most to eliminate a defending champ on their home court in NBA postseason history. He also tied Anthony Davis for most points in a player’s first clinch opportunity.
Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Trae Young, fresh off of his own impressive series that ended with him taking a bow at Madison Square Garden, acknowledged Booker’s impressive showing.
Book and the Suns will face MVP front-runner Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets up next.
The Lakers join the 2015 San Antonio Spurs, 2012 Dallas Mavericks, 2007 Miami Heat, 2000 Spurs and 1984 Philadelphia 76ers as the sixth defending champs in league history to lose in the first round of the playoffs the following season.
The decisive loss marked the only first-round exit of LeBron James’ career.