Even for established All-Stars like Devin Booker, the jump from regular-season basketball to playoff basketball is a big one, especially with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers on the schedule. Yet with the help of 22-year-old breakout performer/No. 1 pick of 2018 Deandre Ayton, Booker and the Phoenix Suns are heading to L.A. tied 1-1 with the defending champs.
Despite having no previous playoff experience -- the Suns just missed the play-in a year ago despite going 8-0 in the bubble -- Booker and Ayton have combined to average 54.0 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists through two games. Along with Mikal Bridges, another key cog in Phoenix's under-25 core, they're generating considerable optimism leaguewide surrounding Phoenix.
How have Ayton and Booker been so effective even as postseason newcomers and what does it mean for the Suns not only for this postseason, but for their future as well?