NBA star Devin Booker put on a specular show in Game 3 of the Phoenix Suns’ second-round series against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, putting up 47 points on 20-for-25 shooting from the field.
The sports world took note of Booker showing out and leading his team to its first win of the series against the Nuggets.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was among those paying close attention to the game, with the University of Alabama product claiming that he and Booker have the same “hoop game.”
Me and D Book hoop game the same fr
— JW (@D1__JW) May 6, 2023
Those who are familiar with Waddle know that he has a big affinity for the game of basketball. After all, he played three years of varsity ball in high school, registering averages of 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 3.4 steals per game.
jaylen waddle was pretty good at basketball pic.twitter.com/C2XHah3r0I
— buckets (@buckets) April 30, 2021
Years ago, basketball even brought Waddle together with new Dolphins running back Devon Achane, who was recently selected by the team in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Devon Achane has been friends with Jaylen Waddle. They both played AAU basketball together. #FinsUp
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) April 29, 2023
Achane and Waddle aren’t the only hoopers on the Dolphins, as Tyreek Hill has been known to show off his skills from time to time.
Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle going OFF in Miami 😮💨 @cheetah @D1__JW
(via courtside_basketball/IG) pic.twitter.com/xpoYm9lNec
— Overtime (@overtime) May 8, 2022
Watching the 2023 NBA Playoffs has likely made Waddle try to hoop whenever possible this offseason. Dolphins fans are hoping that if he does spend some time shooting around, he doesn’t sustain any type of injury.
The former first-round pick is going to be key for the Dolphins this coming season once again. Last season, which was his second in the league, he caught 75 passes for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Dolphins make it to the playoffs.
While Waddle’s targets and catches dropped last season compared to those of his rookie campaign, his big-play ability was on full display in Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme. The hope is that the 24-year-old will be able to continue to make those big plays this season.
As for Booker and the Suns, they’re trying to make things even in their series against the Nuggets. They took a step in the right direction on Friday by pulling off a 121-114 win at home, but they’re still down 2-1 in the series.
Game 4 of the series is set to take place on Sunday. One has to imagine that Waddle will be paying close attention to that contest as well.
