TJ Warren is emerging as the bubble’s superstar. His performances up until now have been sensational, making the Pacers a must-watch.
He has led the team to a 3-0 record inside the bubble, as they battle against Philadelphia and Miami for the fourth-seed. The sixth seed would however delay a possible Bucks matchup until the Eastern Conference finals.
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Warren wasn’t on the Pacers before this year, so this will be his first foray into the playoffs. He was traded to Indiana from the Suns in 2019 on Draft Day in a three-team trade with Miami.
Pacers essentially gave up ‘cash considerations’ for Warren. He will soon face his former team in the bubble who themselves have a 3-0 record.
Suns are playing for more, trying to race into the NBA playoffs in the jampacked West. Devin Booker is showing his all-star colors and willing the Suns to a possible surprise eighth seed.
Warren and Booker play different positions, but the story heading into this matchup will be about how Warren continues to hold up against the rampant Suns.
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TJ Warren vs Devin Booker in the bubble
Warren has arguably been the best player in the bubble, while D-Book has carried his stellar play into the restart. Warren is averaging 39.7 PPG through the first three games. He is shooting 65% from the field and 61% from three.
Amazing numbers, but obviously cannot be sustained for long. Warren entered the bubble averaging 19.7 points on 53.9% efficiency, both career-highs.
Booker is averaging 30.6 points on 46.7% efficiency from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. Booker hasn’t had to take a big step from his regular-season play. He is basically what he has been all year but on a hot streak.
His bubble numbers may pale in comparison to Warren’s, but Booker has had a career proving that he is a dependable scorer. His regular-season averages of 26.6 points on 48.6% shooting and 36.5% from three are very impressive.
He has always been a high-volume shot taker, akin to Kobe Bryant.
Booker may score like Kobe, but he cannot defend like him. Warren isn’t a defensive juggernaut but has shown improvements on that side of the game in the Pacers’ defensive system. The two comrades will share a court after Warren’s acrimonious departure from the team with high-stakes.
Question is whether the Sun’s choice of trading Warren to sign Kelly Oubre and Ricky Rubio plays out well with the chump change the Pacers got him for.
ALSO READ- “He’s Just a Hooper”: Suns Former Teammate Not Surprised by TJ Warren and His Sensational Play
SOURCE: Basketball Reference
