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“Having a Girlfriend Has Helped”: Jared Dudley Credits Kendall Jenner for Devin Booker’s Evolution

Published 07/20/2021, 2:19 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Devin Booker has finally arrived on the biggest stage, and how! Booker came into his own this post-season, with stellar performances which now see Phoenix in its 1st NBA Finals since 1993. Surely, he will look to replicate his Game 4 & 5 offensive highlight reel to keep the Suns alive in this series, and if they win, earn a Finals-MVP!

But with opposition Finals-MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s foot inside the door, Book needs to be almost Mamba-esque! And in a series that could have swung either way had Book not turned the ball over late in Game 5, can fans expect another virtuoso in the making? Come Game 6, Booker’s sole focus lies on conquering a hostile Fiserv Forum come Tuesday night.

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The evolution of Devin Booker

Appearing on JJ Reddick’s Three Four Two podcast, NBA Champion and Suns former teammate Jared Dudley spoke about Book’s journey. He said, “Booker always was super talented, footwork wise, work ethic had it all in him. Had the swagger, became such a better student of the game, of studying film.”

In fact, DBook’s work ethic which is inspired by the Late Kobe Bryant‘s Mamba Mentality has drawn out his path of ascension to the next level. Given that his game, his moves, and his mentality mirrors Kobe, league analysts have also anointed him as the next Kobe!

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Dudley further continued, “If you look at his body now, he now finally has cuts in his body, got serious with his nutrition, getting IVs, taking care of his body.”

Dudz also credited Booker’s girlfriend, Kendall Jenner for helping him remain focused on his craft. He said, “In a way, him having a girlfriend has helped him, helped him stay more focused, less out in the nightlife, be able to be focused. And I think with him was, it was his passing ability was poor. He could shoot the ball… but ‘we can double you.'”

USA Today via Reuters

The last hurdle

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Booker has averaged 27.7ppg/5.8rpg/4.5apg in these playoffs, having mastered the ability to flip the switch when it matters most. And especially now with floor general Chris Paul off his mark since Game 3, Book needs to take control.

Jul 6, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half in game one of the 2021NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

This is not the first time that the Phoenix star finds himself in this situation. With Paul out 2 games against the LA Clippers this season, Devin Booker had had a field day scoring 40/13/11 in Game 1 of the WCF.

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Can he do it again? Redemption will be on the cards for the Valley come Tuesday night!

Watch this story – Devin Booker, Dennis Rodman & Other NBA Players Who Have Dated Gorgeous Celebrities

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Written by:

Nikhil Naik

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Nikhil Naik is an NBA writer at EssentialySports. Having completed his bachelor's degree in Hospitality, he has worked with the Indian Hotels Company Limited, at the Taj in Mumbai. Nikhil has been playing basketball since 2014.
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