The NBA season is back in full swing after the All-Star break, and Thursday night brought us an intriguing clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the Phoenix Suns. Fans were eagerly anticipating a showdown between Spurs' sensation Victor Wembanyama and Suns' standout Devin Booker.
However, the excitement was dampened when Booker exited early due to right hip soreness, as reported by the Suns. He left the court with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter, having scored five points in nine minutes on 2-for-6 shooting, along with a rebound.
This isn't the first time this season that Booker has been sidelined. Earlier, a sprained right ankle against the Hawks in January kept him out for two weeks.
He made his return in early February and even participated in the All-Star Game. The Suns are undoubtedly hoping for a quick recovery for Booker as they aim for a strong playoff push.
The Suns were already shorthanded, missing starters Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen, and Booker's early departure added to their woes. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama put on a masterclass, showcasing why he's one of the league's most exciting talents. The towering center recorded 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks in just 25 minutes, a performance that underscored his growing influence on the court.
Adding to the Spurs' firepower, reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle chipped in with 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11, alongside four assists and three steals. Despite the Suns' challenges, Jalen Green stepped up significantly. In just his seventh game of the season, Green delivered a standout performance with 26 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
With this victory, the Spurs extended their winning streak to seven games, solidifying their momentum. On the other hand, the Suns faced their second straight defeat, placing them seventh in the Western Conference with a 32-24 record. The road ahead will be crucial for the Suns as they navigate injuries and aim to regain their footing in the playoff race.