By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
“I was just making shots,” he described his performance in the postgame press conference following the NBA Saturdays contest, “I have been in a bit of a slump. You just have to keep shooting.”
Booker, 26, made 21/35 field goals, including 6/12 from beyond the arc. He was limited to 15.2 points per game over the last five outings in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season.
“I was put in the right situations to make the right plays,” he spread credit across the team, “I usually want to make the right play every time. Once I get it going a little bit, shooting over a hand is the right play.”
“I think the only person that could have stopped him from scoring tonight was me by taking him out of the game,” added head coach Monty Williams, “He just had one of those Book nights that none of us take for granted. On top of that, he was making the right pass out of the double team.”
Far from a pleasant view from the losing end of the explosion, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson both praised Booker.
“He is a tremendous scorer and got it going tonight,” mentioned the experienced guard.
“You got to give respect when it’s due,” added Williamson, “He put on a clinic.”
Leading 83-59 midway through the third quarter, failing to stop Booker prevented the Pelicans from holding on for the win in Footprint Center.
“Give him credit,” was the reaction of head coach Willie Green, “He got it going and we just did not do enough to shut off the water.”
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