The Suns are navigating a tough stretch right now, and the absences of Devin Booker and Jalen Green are making the path even steeper.
Still, Phoenix found a way to grind out a 106-102 win over the Nets on Tuesday night. It wasn’t pretty, but it was gutsy-and given the circumstances, that’s exactly what they needed. The challenge, though, is far from over.
Booker continues to sit with an ankle injury, and his absence is about much more than just points on the board. He’s been averaging a team-best 25.4 points and 6.2 assists per game, but that stat line doesn’t capture the full scope of his value.
When he’s on the floor, defenses shift. The spacing improves.
The offense flows. And guys like Grayson Allen get cleaner looks without having to work quite as hard for them.
“When he’s in the game, I think it simplifies the way we get open looks,” Allen said. “We still do a good job most of the time… but it’s just harder and it’s harder to sustain for a 48-minute game.”
That’s the ripple effect of a star like Booker. He doesn’t just carry the scoring load-he changes the geometry of the court. Without him, Phoenix is having to manufacture offense in less efficient ways, and it’s showing in the grind-it-out nature of these recent games.
Then there’s Jalen Green, whose situation has been even more frustrating for the Suns. The 23-year-old has barely been able to get on the court this season, suiting up for just four games. In his most recent appearance, he logged only four minutes before feeling tightness in his right hamstring again-another setback in what’s become a lingering issue since training camp.
He was unavailable once again against Brooklyn, marking what appears to be his third flare-up since the original injury. It’s a tough break for a player who came into the season hoping to carve out a consistent role.
“When he’s ready to play and he feels good, he’ll be back out there,” said head coach Jordan Ott. “He’s been out for a while. He’s going to have to learn his body… He wants to feel right.”
Ott’s comments reflect the reality of dealing with soft-tissue injuries-there’s no rushing it. And for a young player like Green, learning to manage his body through the NBA grind is part of the growth curve.
For now, the Suns are leaning heavily on what they have. Tuesday’s win was a testament to their resilience, but the road ahead will demand more of the same. Until Booker returns to anchor the offense and Green can stay healthy enough to contribute, Phoenix will have to keep clawing for every inch.