The Phoenix Suns hit a rough patch in their season with a tough 110-103 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The game took a troubling turn when Devin Booker and Jalen Green suffered injuries.
In the late third quarter, as the Suns were gaining momentum, Booker twisted his right ankle during a collision with Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu. It caught everyone off guard, especially since he was playing well, scoring 16 points in the third quarter alone. Unfortunately, he needed assistance to leave the court, limping heavily.
Just ten days earlier, Booker sprained his left ankle but managed to return quickly. This new injury, however, seemed more serious, raising concerns that he could miss several weeks.
Meanwhile, Green encountered “precautionary tightness” in his right hamstring. This was particularly alarming because it was his second re-injury of that hamstring this season. The initial injury set him back for over two months, and if this is more than just tightness, he could face another lengthy absence. In both cases, he returned to action only to be sidelined again shortly after. This kind of pattern is frustrating for both the player and fans.
While the Suns have shown they can hold their ground in the Western Conference without Green, his presence is impactful. Observers were excited about what Booker and Green could accomplish together, but now, they may have to rely on their supporting cast more heavily.
In the game against Atlanta, despite the disappointing loss, players like Collin Gillespie and Oso Ighodaro stepped up. Gillespie scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Ighodaro’s playmaking was crucial in keeping the Suns competitive. Stathead notes Dillon Brooks started strong but has struggled with consistency recently, offering another challenge for the team moving forward.
Interestingly, injuries have become a bigger concern in the NBA as teams have improved their ability to manage them over the years. According to a recent study by the NBA, soft-tissue injuries were once far more common and typically resulted in longer recovery periods. Nowadays, teams invest significantly in player health and rehabilitation, although injuries still happen.
As this season unfolds, Suns fans can only hope for a speedy recovery for both Booker and Green, as their health could very well determine the team’s future success.
