Clutch Time Play Will Propel Devin Booker To Finals MVP

As of yesterday, Devin Booker is no longer the favorite to win Finals MVP. That honor was taken over by Chris Paul. Although a lot of the spotlight is on Paul because it’s his first NBA Finals, that doesn’t mean Booker should go to the back of everyone’s mind.

WynnBET has Booker’s odds to win Finals MVP at +250 compared to Paul’s +160 odds. While CP3 has had two magnificent closeout games, Booker has been great down the stretch of games as well.

Booker has the second highest usage rate in the clutch, behind Kevin Durant, and has made each moment count. He is 2-of-5 in the clutch and has a team-high nine points in those situations. The only other person to take more shots is Cameron Payne with six shots, yet he is shooting 33.3% from the floor. 

He has also been automatic from the free throw line this postseason. Booker is 5-for-5 on clutch free throws. That mark is also a part of his 91.3% from the strike overall, which is the highest among qualified players. 

His mid-range jumper, a staple in his game, also needs to be revived for Booker to have a shot at the trophy. Right now, Booker is middle of the pack in terms of efficiency on mid-range shots. He is shooting 7.5% less than his regular season mark. It is understandable because of the playoff setting, but Booker and the Suns would be better off with that number rising. 

Booker's Finals MVP odds were increasing, and he finally took over the title of “favorite” just before Game 6. Yet Paul had a game for the ages that vaulted him to the number one spot.

If Booker wants to get back to the top spot and win the award, his clutch time performances are what will propel him back there.