Devin Booker lauds $12,998,353 rising star after he seamlessly replaces Bradley Beal

Devin Booker praised his rookie teammate Ryan Dunn in a postgame press conference after the Phoenix Suns took down the Utah Jazz on Saturday. The rookie provided solid numbers against the Jazz, posting 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. He also shot an efficient 50% from the field.

Dunn, a rookie signed to a four-year deal worth $12.9 million, replaced Bradley Beal in the Suns' starting lineup last week amid a poor run of results. Beal added 12 points, three assists and two rebounds against the Jazz and shot 40% from the field.

Devin Booker took notice of Ryan Dunn's efforts and praised him after the game:

"It's kind of just how [Ryan Dunn] plays," Booker said. "He does everything well. He shoots the ball a lot better than people expected. He's taking on the toughest matchup on the defensive end every night. He's not slowing at all. He keeps his foot on the pedal. He's full throttle everytime. He's high energy. We definitely need that. He's been a big part of why we've been playing well."

It's only the beginning for Ryan Dunn, who has seamlessly adjusted to Beal's spot in the starting lineup. Despite being the young buck of the team, it appears that his insertion into the first five has helped the Suns, who have won three of their last four games.

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Suns vs Jazz recap: Devin Booker annihilates Utah

The Phoenix Suns took on the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. Phoenix grabbed a 114-106 victory over Utah thanks in large part to Devin Booker. D-Book carried the Suns to victory after he exploded for 34 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. He also shot an efficient 50% from three-point land and 60% overall.

Assisting Devin Booker on offense was none other than Kevin Durant. KD also had a solid game on Saturday, posting 25 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Their victory over the Jazz marks the Suns' second straight win.

However, the Phoenix Suns still have a long way to go if they wish to secure a playoff seed by the end of the season. As of their most recent triumph, the Suns have an 18-19 record and are in 11th place in the Western Conference. They are only one game behind the Golden State Warriors, who are in 10th place and are a part of the NBA Play-In Tournament picture.

With that in mind, the Suns still have a chance to make the postseason this year.