Devin Booker Making Strong Case For MVP

Booker just put the league on notice with 51-point performance

Untitled Image

The NBA MVP has been essentially a two-man race throughout the first month of the season with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic leading the charge. Both players are putting up ridiculous numbers, so it makes sense that they’re the frontrunners right now. But after MVP chants flooded the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wednesday night, there might be another player shooting his way into the mix. 

Untitled Image

Devin Booker took his game to the next level on Wednesday against the Bulls, erupting for 51 points on 80% shooting from the field. He also knocked down six of seven shots from deep. It was an absolute masterclass for efficient scoring as he dropped 25 points in the first half and 26 in the third quarter alone. What makes this even more impressive is that he played just 31 minutes and didn’t see the floor at all in the 4th quarter. 

While this performance was Booker's best of the season, he’s been playing at a high level all year, which is why I think his current odds to win MVP at +2500 (up to +3500) are a little too long. That number at BetMGM puts him tied for sixth in the MVP race.

Last season Booker finished fourth in MVP voting and his numbers this season are far superior. If we compare the two, Booker averaged 26.8 points per game on 46.6% shooting during the 2021-22 season. Through the first 21 games of this year, he’s averaging 29 points on 48.9% shooting. And, prior to his performance last night, Booker put up 44 in the Suns previous outing against the Kings. For those that aren't great at math like me, that's 95 points in just two games. He's been the main reason why this Suns team is 15-6 and has among the best records in the NBA.

I know it’s early in the season and the award isn’t given out until the spring, but it feels like Booker put the league on notice this week. If he continues this elite level of play throughout the next 61 games, we’re going to see his MVP odds shorten drastically and Booker would be a true contender. An injury to Giannis or Luka (or either of their teams fading) could give D-Book a path to victory.

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets!
New users, place your first bet with BetMGM & Claim This Offer Now! 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
5.0
5.0
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets!
New users, place your first bet with BetMGM & Claim This Offer Now! 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Claim Offer