Phoenix Suns talisman Devin Booker is taking giant strides in the recent past. The 24-year old has been a consistent performer for the Suns and he has delivered the goods. Booker has been performing exceptionally well in the playoff stages for the team and once again took his game to new heights against the LA Clippers in the Western Conference finals.

Booker recorded a triple double as he scored 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists and led his team to win in the first match of the WC finals against the Clippers by 120-114 on Sunday night. In fact, Chris Paul missed the opening match due to injury but Booker was able to elevate his game.

As Booker continued his sublime form in the postseason, he has been likened with former great Kobe Bryant. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith also stated that Devin Booker is the next Kobe Bryant.

On the other hand, Phoenix head coach Monty Williams drew similarities between the two players. Williams also compared Booker with Chris Paul.

In his post-game press conference, Williams praised his young star’s performance. “I just thought he managed the game well knowing that Chris wasn’t on the floor and I just saw his will, Devin Booker‘s will tonight. I’m sure he’s learned a ton from his time with Kobe and being with Chris for a season it certainly helped him have the kind of stamina that he had tonight.”

“I thought when we started playing fast, he started to attack and get to the paint. Everything opened up for us and then he hit some shots but you know that’s who D Book is. He’s been waiting for this moment for a long, long time so maybe that’s the Kobe part of it and the Chris part.”

The second of the WC finals will take place on Tuesday night.