On Monday night, Sam Amick of The Athletic asked Devin Booker about the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award — about whether the thought of being recognized as the league’s top player motivated Booker, and about where the 26-year-old saw himself in the race for this year’s trophy.
“No,” Booker said. “I’m not even in that race.”
Booker’s tongue might have been planted firmly in his cheek there; Amick made sure to note that he replied “with a smile.” But if he or anyone else felt that way at the start of the week, I’m betting they don’t anymore.