Additional Coverage:
- Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks out indefinitely with fractured hand, Devin Booker out at least a week with hip injury (nbcsports.com)
Suns’ Big Win Overshadowed by Injury Woes
Phoenix, AZ – The elation from the Suns’ thrilling double-overtime victory on Saturday was quickly dimmed by a series of concerning injury updates. The team is now grappling with the indefinite loss of a key player and the temporary absence of their All-Star guard, casting a pall over what should have been a celebratory moment.
Dillon Brooks, a crucial component of the Suns’ lineup and a consistent secondary scorer averaging 21.2 points per game, is sidelined indefinitely with a fractured hand. The news, initially reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and subsequently confirmed, lacked specific details regarding the fracture’s location or the potential need for surgery. Doctors are expected to convene in the coming days to establish a timeline for his return.
Adding to the team’s woes, All-Star Devin Booker is expected to miss at least a week due to a right hip strain. Booker, who leads the team with 24.7 points and 6.1 assists per game, sustained the injury in Thursday’s game against San Antonio.
This marks his second significant absence this season, following a seven-game stretch earlier in the year due to a sprained ankle, during which the Suns posted a 4-3 record. He will be re-evaluated in one week.
Furthermore, rotation guard Jordan Goodwin sustained a calf injury during Saturday’s game against Orlando and is scheduled for an MRI on Sunday, as confirmed by coach Jordan Ott postgame.
These accumulating injuries have overshadowed the Suns’ most dramatic win of the season. Despite Jalen Green’s challenging 5-of-25 shooting performance for most of the night, he ultimately delivered the game-winning shot in the second overtime against the Orlando Magic.
With both Booker and Brooks out of commission, the Suns will undoubtedly be looking to Jalen Green to step up and shoulder a larger offensive load in the weeks to come.