booker-for-column.jpg
Getty Images

Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker never made the playoffs before this season, but based on his play this postseason you wouldn't know that. Booker has been sensational throughout the playoffs, and his offensive output is a huge part of the reason that Phoenix was able to advance to its first NBA Finals since Charles Barkley wore a Suns uniform. Booker was averaging over 26 points per performance during the postseason entering Game 4, and on Wednesday night he made some NBA history in the process. 

With his point production in Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Booker set the record for the most points scored in a player's first playoffs. The previous record holder was Rick Barry, who scored a total of 521 points in his first postseason. Barry is now second on the list behind Booker, with Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving third with 518 points scored in his first playoff appearance. Booker now has 542 points this postseason, and counting. 

After a forgettable performance in Game 3, Booker bounced back in a big way in Game 4. He scored 42 points, including 18 in the third quarter alone. He didn't miss a single shot from the floor during that quarter, either. 

The game was Booker's third 40-plus point performance this postseason. With that, he joined Barry and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to record at least three 40-point games in their first career postseason. 

Unfortunately for Phoenix, Booker's production wasn't enough, as the Bucks pulled out a 109-103 victory to tie the series up at two games apiece. Despite the loss, it was still an extremely impressive performance from Booker, and one that worked to put some distance between him and Barry in the history books. Booker's run this postseason has been nothing short of remarkable, and he isn't done either as the Suns and Bucks will have to play at least two more game in the series.