All-Star guard Devin Booker was ruled out for Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers by the team. He’s out with a right groin strain. This decision comes after Booker played an integral role in the Suns’ recent performance, leading the team with impressive averages this season.
The injury had come during the first quarter of the Timberwolves game against the Lakers. Booker absolutely took over the first quarter. He finished the game scoring 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting, including three assists and two rebounds. However, he got subbed out with the team only behind 27-26, which has led to speculation that he was not in optimal shape.
Booker has been the Suns’ MVP thus far this season, having played in all 21 games up to this point. He’s scored an average of 25.7 points per game, which makes him the primary scorer on the squad. Booker displays his elite scoring ability on the floor. As a facilitator, he’s just as good. He’s leading the Suns with 6.9 assists per game. His absence will be felt, to be sure, and as the Nuggets approach a potentially playoff preview with the Lakers, they’ll need all hands on deck.
The Phoenix Suns continued to roll, now at 12-9. In their first season under first-year coach, Jordan Ott, they remain in seventh place in the Western Conference standings. Booker’s contributions have been vital to their performance, and his injury raises questions about the team’s ability to maintain their momentum in upcoming games.
The Suns prepare to face off against the Lakers with their best player on the bench. They need to very soon find ways to compensate for Booker’s absence. The team has been remarkably resilient all season long, but losing a player of Booker’s caliber is a monumental loss that they’ll have to overcome.
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