The Phoenix Suns edged out the Brooklyn Nets in a gritty 106-102 win, but the victory came with a cloud hanging over it - Devin Booker was sidelined with a right ankle injury, and his absence continues to loom large over the team’s immediate future.
Booker’s status has been officially ruled out for tonight’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons, and while the Suns have found ways to stay competitive without him, there’s no sugarcoating the fact that his absence alters the team’s identity. The 29-year-old guard is more than just a scorer - he’s the engine that keeps the Suns’ offensive rhythm flowing. Without him, others have had to step up, and to their credit, they’ve done just that.
Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams took on expanded roles in the win over Brooklyn, and they delivered in a big way. Brooks dropped 26 points with his usual edge and intensity, while Williams poured in 27, showing off his growing confidence and presence in the paint.
It wasn’t just about scoring - it was about timing, poise, and execution in key moments. Both players helped carry the offensive load and kept the Suns in control when the Nets threatened to swing momentum.
Grayson Allen chipped in with 18 points, continuing his steady production as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker. Off the bench, Jamaree Bouyea gave the Suns a spark with 10 points, showing composure and energy in limited minutes. It was a full-team effort - the kind of win that doesn’t come easy when your star is in street clothes.
But the injury report isn’t just about Booker. Jalen Green is listed as questionable for tonight, which adds another layer of uncertainty to the Suns’ rotation.
Isaiah Livers and Collin Gillespie are also dealing with issues that could impact their availability. That’s a lot of moving parts for a team trying to stay afloat in a tightly packed Western Conference.
At 28-19, the Suns are sitting seventh in the West. That’s a solid spot, but the margin for error is thin.
Every game matters, and every absence forces head coach Jordan Ott to get creative with his rotations. Speaking on Booker’s status, Ott kept things measured: “When he’s ready to play and he feels good, he’ll be back out there,” he said.
“He’s been out for a while. He’s going to have to learn his body… He wants to feel right.”
That last part is key - Booker knows his body better than anyone, and the team isn’t going to rush him back. The Suns are playing the long game here, and rightfully so. But in the meantime, they’ll need to keep grinding, relying on their depth and chemistry to weather the storm.
There’s no clear timetable for Booker’s return, but the optimism is still there. Until then, Phoenix will have to keep leaning on the next-man-up mentality - and so far, it’s holding up.