Devin Booker returns, helps Suns become 1st team to clinch playoff spot

Devin Booker scores 23 points with 9 assists and 8 rebounds in his 1st game since Feb. 27.

Returning from a four-game absence due to virus-related issues, Devin Booker flirted with a triple-double as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Miami Heat 111-90 on Wednesday night in a matchup of the NBA’s conference leaders.

With the win, Phoenix becomes the first team this season to clinch a playoff spot.

“I told the guys it was one of the best defensive performances I’ve ever seen,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.

Clinched. #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/XVly2cdNC1

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 10, 2022

Booker said he was asymptomatic and didn’t have any problems.

“I felt fine,” Booker said. “I felt like I was right back into it.”

The Suns improved the NBA’s best record to 53-13, and the reigning Western Conference champs have now beaten all other 29 teams this season — the first time they’ve done that since 2006-07.