Suns' Booker: Nose injury fine despite Game 3 struggles

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after forward Jae Crowder (99) is fouled out of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of Game 3. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Suns' Devin Booker: Nose injury fine despite struggling in Game 3 loss

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/25/21

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker didn't use his broken nose as an excuse for his poor performance in Thursday's 106-92 Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals.

Booker told reporters after the game that his nose felt fine.

"Not at all. Nose feels fine. We lost the game." Devin Booker. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs #Clippers
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) June 25, 2021

The 24-year-old suffered the injury in Game 2 when he collided with Clippers guard Patrick Beverley. He told ESPN's Rachel Nichols that he broke his nose in three different places.

Booker wore a protective face mask for Game 3 and, before the game, he reached out to former Detroit Pistons star Richard Hamilton for advice on how to play with a mask. Hamilton advised him to keep it on for the entire game and use it as extra protection, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

Booker was held to 15 points on 5-of-21 shooting from the field, five rebounds and five assists during Game 3. It was tied for his worst field goal percentage in a game all season.

The two-time All-Star will get the opportunity to redeem himself in Game 4 on Saturday night. His play could be the difference in Phoenix taking a commanding 3-1 series lead or allowing the Clippers to tie things up.

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