The Phoenix Suns are grappling with significant injuries as they prepare for their upcoming games, most noticeably the absence of star guard Devin Booker. Booker's left groin injury, which kept him sidelined against the Detroit Pistons and will leave him out against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, has taken its toll on the team's performance.
Booker, who has averaged 25.1 points and 6.4 assists this season, will be reevaluated early next week. According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, it is still uncertain whether he will return for the Christmas Day game against the Nuggets. This absence marks the first game Booker has missed this season, raising concerns over the Suns' ability to maintain their competitive edge.
"He’ll be reevaluated early next week," said Rankin, emphasizing the cautious approach the Suns are taking with their All-Star guard. This prudent decision follows Booker's injury during Thursday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers, where he incurred groin soreness. The Suns' performance has declined significantly, with the team losing 12 of their last 18 games after starting the season with a promising 8-1 record.
Booker's absence was felt particularly during the recent game against the Pistons, where the Suns suffered a 133-125 defeat. Despite Kevin Durant's impressive performance—scoring season-high 43 points—the team struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities. According to the AP, "The Suns cut their deficit to 122-119 with 2:26 left on a pair of free throws by Kevin Durant," showcasing the narrow margin of their near-comeback.
The Suns' troubles were compounded by the absence of two other players: Grayson Allen and Bol Bol. Allen remains under concussion protocol after suffering an injury from an elbow to the back of his head during the previous game. He left the court with 2:10 left to play against the Pistons and did not return. Bol, on the other hand, did not play due to knee issues sustained during practice.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer voiced concerns about the Suns' current state, stating, "We have to adapt and rely on our depth. With key players out, it’s up to others to step up." This sentiment reflects the uphill battle the Suns face as they prepare to face the Nuggets, who sit just above them in the Western Conference standings.
The Suns currently stand at 14-13, which is particularly disappointing for a team with championship aspirations. Many had anticipated the Suns would continue their strong form from the initial weeks of the season. Yet, with injuries disrupting the lineup, the specter of lost playoff positioning looms larger.
While the Suns’ shooting percentage remains strong, shooting nearly 62% from the field during the Pistons game, it is evident these numbers have not translated to wins. The performance against Detroit was marred by turnovers, where they relinquished possession 19 times throughout the match. Each turnover fed the Pistons' opportunistic fast break, turning scoring chances for the Suns back against them.
"The aggressive defense of the Pistons caused the Suns problems all night," noted the AP report, capturing the essence of Phoenix's struggles. The once-promising start now feels overshadowed by continuous disappointments as injuries plague their roster.
Fans and analysts are left contemplating the potential for regeneration as Phoenix faces the prospect of managing its injured players effectively. The approach to recovering Booker is of utmost importance; his ability to return to form will be integral to the team’s successful turnaround and playoff hopes.
Looking ahead, the Suns will need to adjust quickly. The coaching staff will heavily rely on players like Josh Okogie, who may step up due to increased playtime, to fill the void left by the absent stars. With challenging matchups looming, every moment on the court will count as the Suns strive to revive their season.
Next up, the Suns face the Denver Nuggets on Monday, December 23, where they will aim to bounce back and regain their footing amid the turbulence of injury reports. Addressing their turnovers and defensive lapses will be key, but most critically, they must find ways to work around the absence of their All-Star leader.
With each game carrying increasing importance, how will the Suns adapt? Only time will tell as they navigate this tricky period.
