• Suns guard Devin Booker is now playing the point because interim coach Jay Triano was inspired by James Harden's effectiveness after he switched to point guard. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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Suns guard Devin Booker is now playing the point because interim coach Jay Triano was inspired by James Harden's effectiveness after he switched to point guard.

Suns guard Devin Booker is now playing the point because interim coach Jay Triano was inspired by James Harden's effectiveness after he switched to point guard.

Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) collide on a pass to Harden during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) collide on a pass to Harden during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren (12) knocks the ball away from Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren (12) knocks the ball away from Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) runs into Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) runs into Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) fouls Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) as he goes up for a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) fouls Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) as he goes up for a shot during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a goaltending call on guard Gerald Green during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a goaltending call on guard Gerald Green during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) makes a pass with Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and guard James Harden (13) defending during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) makes a pass with Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) and guard James Harden (13) defending during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) go after a loose ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) go after a loose ball during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound away from Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound away from Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) high fives fans as he leaves the court after the Rockets 113-102 win over the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) high fives fans as he leaves the court after the Rockets 113-102 win over the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston.
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) takes a shot with Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) takes a shot with Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) defending during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound frfom Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound frfom Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a call with referee J.T. Orr (72) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni argues a call with referee J.T. Orr (72) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes a shot against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) takes the ball to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaps in the air and fouls Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson (33) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) grimaces in pain after going to the floor for a loosew ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) grimaces in pain after going to the floor for a loosew ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) fight for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot over Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) takes a shot over Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Canaan (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Legendary test pilot Gen. Chuck Yeager waves to the crowd as he is honored during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Legendary test pilot Gen. Chuck Yeager waves to the crowd as he is honored during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) collides with Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. less
Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) collides with Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) and is called for an offensive foul during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The Rockets won 113-102. less
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) grabs a rebound over Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, in Houston. The ... more
Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle
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When Suns interim coach Jay Triano moved his top-scorer Devin Booker to point guard on Friday, he could cite a clear example of how it could work. Triano not only hoped that Booker could emulate James Harden and his move to the point last season, he said Harden's success specifically inspired the change.

"The idea came from how the Rockets are playing offensively, how efficient they are," Triano said. "(Harden's) move to the point guard spot is one of the things we looked at when we thought about having him play that position.

"He's such a willing passer he sometimes can forget about trying to score himself. We want to play him off the ball, but also play him on the ball and still be a scorer."

Booker, averaging 24.7 points per game, seemed to have struck on the right mix on Sunday, scoring 31 points with 10 assists, making 12 of 23 shots and 5 of 9 3-pointers.

After years overrun with point guards – three seasons ago, the Suns had Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas on the same roster – the Suns are short-handed at the point with Brandon Knight, who was acquired at the trade deadline that season, out for the season.

Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni, who moved Harden to the point and showed him video of former Suns MVP point guard Steve Nash to make his case, said he believes Booker can make the switch if it is best for the Suns as a whole.

"He's so good, he can do anything he wants," D'Antoni said. "I think he'll be able to do whatever he wants to do. If it fits with the rest of the team, fine. If it doesn't fit, that's life, too. I'm sure Jay will figure that out, but that's a talent. That's a big-time talent."