Is Devin Booker Too Comfortable in Phoenix? Stephen A. Smith Thinks So
The Phoenix Suns finished eighth in the Western Conference in the 2025–26 season and were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, continuing a trend of early playoff exits despite Devin Booker's consistent scoring. Owner Mat Ishbia has reaffirmed his full support for Booker as the franchise cornerstone, vowing to build around him for a championship. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith questioned Booker's competitive urgency, suggesting he may be too comfortable in Phoenix despite his talent and past success.
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By Rowan Fisher-ShottonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Phoenix Suns pieced together a 45–37 record in the 2025–26 season, finishing eighth in the Western Conference before surviving the Play-In to reach the postseason. But whatever momentum they built evaporated quickly, as they were swept 4–0 in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder, extending a troubling trend of early exits. Devin Booker remained productive, including a 24-point outing in Game 4, but never fully seized control against Oklahoma City’s defense as Phoenix struggled to generate consistent offense.
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