Phoenix Suns wing Grayson Allen is one of the NBA’s most polarizing players and fans tend to remind him as much in every arena he enters.
Allen, who was traded to Phoenix before the season began, has riled up hoops fans for years. While playing at Duke, he was arguably one of the most hated college basketball players of all time and he hasn’t exactly reversed this reputation since turning pro.
But he had a season-high 26 points during a victory over the Bulls on Wednesday night. Allen also recorded a career-high eight 3-pointers, matching his career-highs with eight rebounds and two blocks as well.
"I finally got 8."
Grayson Allen on hitting career-high eight 3s on 26-point night in Suns OT win over Bulls.
Heard boos pregame intros from Bulls fans about that flagrant foul on Alex Caruso.
Allen said the game feels "more normal" when he's being booed. #Suns #Bulls pic.twitter.com/fIRljsJS6j
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 9, 2023
After the game, Allen was asked about his performance and the reaction he received from fans at the United Center in Chicago. Here is what he said to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic:
“Getting booed makes the game feel more normal for me almost. I got that so much, it became my normal, my regular. It’s more weird when it’s not.”
Allen, who has a history of dirty plays, has already had multiple incidents against the Bulls — including cheap shots against Chicago’s Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan.
So it wasn’t exactly surprising that fans of the Bulls showered him with boos when he returned to play against the team.
But it was interesting to see him have such self-awareness when reflecting on the experience during his post-game media availability.
