Booker wants to do “something special” for his family in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – Devin Booker spent his high school years in deep south Mississippi, playing at Moss Point, where his No. 2 jersey is retired and his father Melvin also starred.

They would make the just over 90 minute drive to New Orleans to watch the NBA games at the Smoothie King Center. That’s why it feels like home when Booker returns to play against the Pelicans.

“It’s mostly the atmosphere,” Booker said. “I feel comfortable in the south. There’s something southern about it. If you’ve never lived there, it’s hard to explain, but these gyms have a special energy, a special culture.”

Lately he has been feeling very comfortable in this arena. The Suns (12-8) begin a three-game road trip on Thursday against the struggling, undermanned Pelicans (4-18).

Booker scored 52 points in each of his final two games in New Orleans earlier this year, on Jan. 19 and April 1 last season, both double-digit victories for the Suns.

The presence of family and friends brings out the beast in Booker.

“My family takes the time to drive here,” Booker said. “They have supported me since I was at school. I always try to do something special for them.”

For Booker, it wasn’t just about having a heater in New Orleans against the Pelicans. He scored 58 points for the Pels in a 118-114 win on December 17, 2022 at the Footprint Center.

Booker could have another scoring explosion in New Orleans on Thursday.

The Pelicans have lost 28 of their last nine games^Th in defensive rating and have the worst record in the Western Conference, but Booker doesn’t underestimate them.

“Respect your opponent and understand what these guys are capable of,” Booker said. “I’ve been playing against (CJ McCollum) for 10 years. I know what he’s capable of. Apparently BI (Brandon Ingram) is a star. Dejounte (Murray) is a great player and I trust Willie Green a lot too.”

Green was an assistant under Monty Williams when the Suns reached the 2021 Finals.

“We know what they’re capable of,” Booker continued. “They’ve been plagued by injuries all season, but I think some of those guys are back.”

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson remains sidelined with a left hamstring strain, but the Suns will have to sit out Kevin Durant for this three-game road trip that ends with consecutive weekends against Miami (10-10) and Orlando (16-8). . .

Durant is back in Phoenix recovering from a left ankle sprain suffered in Tuesday’s win over San Antonio, capping a six-game home stretch. A reassessment is planned for next week.

“Everyone has to give a little bit more,” Booker said. “The execution on the track will play a big role. He has us under control this year, but we all have to give a little more. He brings a lot to the table defensively that goes unappreciated. We have to protect each other in the paint. Just communicate.”

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