The Phoenix Suns are facing tough times as injuries continue to plague their roster. Star guard Devin Booker has been sidelined due to left groin soreness, starting from the game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, December 21, 2023. The Suns will also miss Booker during their upcoming match against the Denver Nuggets, scheduled for Tuesday, December 24.
This marks the first time this season the Suns will compete without their leading scorer, who was previously active for all 26 games played before the injury. Booker is averaging 25.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game this season, but his loss to injury is felt deeply across the team. Following the news of his absence, teammates expressed their disappointment over the situation. "It's unfortunate. We hate to see injuries get in the way of good basketball. But like you said, it’s part of the game, but it’s still hard to accept," lamented Kevin Durant.
Booker experienced the injury during the third quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 19. After contributing 17 points and six assists within 25 minutes, he had to leave the court and did not return, raising alarms among coaches and fans alike. Following the game, players like Jusuf Nurkic commented, "We hope it’s not anything serious. To me, part of the game is moving forward and finding solutions." For the Suns, finding such solutions may prove challenging as the season progresses.
Adding to their woes, the Suns have also confirmed Grayson Allen will miss the next matchup due to concussion protocols. Allen suffered the injury during the loss to the Pistons after taking an elbow to the head. Coaches are currently monitoring his condition to evaluate his readiness to return. “We're monitoring him for a concussion, so we'll just see how he is in the morning,” coach Mike Budenholzer stated postgame.
Bol Bol is another casualty on the Suns' injury report, dealing with a knee contusion after a knee-to-knee collision during practice. With Allen out, the Suns have felt the pressure of not only losing their star player but also his key backup. The franchise has struggled this season, showcasing just how detrimental injuries can be to team dynamics and performance.
The Suns are currently sitting at 14-13, having lost their last two games. Their performance without Booker has been shaky, losing against the Pistons immediately following his injury. The impact of both Allen and Bol's absence will likely hinder the team's success as they face off against the formidable Nuggets, who hold a 14-11 record. The Suns are desperately trying to reinstate their winning momentum to stay relevant for playoff contention.
Notably, Booker's absence from the Christmas Day matchup adds insult to injury for the franchise, as it was expected to be pivotal. Throughout the season, the Suns have battled injuries among key players including Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, who have also missed numerous games. Currently, only Tyus Jones and Royce O’Neale have played all games this season for the Suns, highlighting the team's depth issues.
Fans and team members are hopeful for Booker's swift recovery and return, especially as the NBA season heats up. The Suns traditionally perform well when at full strength, and the front office will be keeping close tabs on player health as they navigate this precarious stretch of the season. With Booker re-evaluated weekly and hoping to return shortly, the Suns face the challenge of regrouping and stepping up when it matters most.
While the team is focused on finding solutions and adjusting strategies, it remains to be seen if they can rise to the challenge and secure the wins necessary to bolster their playoff hopes.
