Phoenix Suns talisman Devin Booker shared how former Suns coach Earl Watson motivated him to take shots early on in his career

The Phoenix Suns have reached a greater height this season as they reach the NBA finals for the first time since 1993. It is a true fact that Chris Paul’s arrival at the franchise has been detrimental to the team’s success this season. Also, young players like Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges have also shown great character and determination to drive the team forward.

Booker has been the standout performer in terms of scoring. The 24-year-old is leading the roster in terms of scoring in the playoffs this season as he is averaging 24 points per game in the postseason. Booker’s gameplay has improved because of his chemistry and bonding with Chris Paul on the Suns’ backcourt.

Booker is one of the most confident players in the league and despite this being his first time he has handled the pressure like a veteran. So this raises questions over D Book and his stark ability to handle pressure. The story goes back to the point when the Suns drafted Booker and Earl Watson was their coach at that time. Watson knew D Book because of his father Melvin Booker.

Watson took notice of Booker early on in his career and allowed him to take 20 shots per game. At first, the youngster was too shy to take his shots but earl Watson would shout at him forcing him to take his shots. Earl explained: “I remember he was hesitant to shoot initially because he was trying to be efficient. I had to yell at him to shoot the f****** ball. I told him to shoot 25 times. True scorers have to play with a level of freedom and comfortability to create. He eventually got the hang of it, as you see now.”

Booker’s confidence grew from that point and now it has transformed him into an offensive beast in the league. Speaking about Earl, Booker said,”[Earl] threw me in the fire,” Booker said. “He gave me the chance to go out there and make mistakes and play through mistakes, which a lot of young players don’t get the chance to do in this league. So having a coach behind you like that, that believes in you to that degree, that gives you a confidence that you have never felt before.”

Currently, the Suns are facing the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals. Monty Williams’ team took the lead by winning Game 1.