Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker missed the team’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers early Monday night due to a groin injury. Booker began the game strong, scoring 11 points in the first quarter to help the Suns gain momentum at Crypto.com Arena. However, he unexpectedly left the game with less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter and did not return.
The exact timing of Booker’s injury remains unclear, but the Suns quickly announced that he was sidelined with a right groin injury. Additional details have yet to be released. Head coach Jordon Ott mentioned after the game that he had no further information but expected to have updates by Tuesday.
Before leaving, Booker contributed 11 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Leading up to the game, he was averaging 25.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in his 11th season. Notably, this marks the third December in four years where Booker has suffered a groin injury, missing 20 games in December 2022 and five games last season due to similar issues.
Despite Booker’s absence, the Suns dominated in Los Angeles, winning 125-108. Dillon Brooks led the team with 33 points, while Collin Gillespie scored 28 points, including eight three-pointers. Phoenix ended the second quarter on a 19-4 run and maintained control throughout the second half.
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic posted 38 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, with Austin Reeves adding 16 points. LeBron James missed the starting lineup because of sciatica but scored 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting in his fifth game back this season. His streak of double-digit scoring was at risk in the fourth quarter, but he secured the necessary points to keep it alive.
The Suns will face the Houston Rockets next Friday.
Fan Take: Devin Booker’s injury is a significant blow to the Suns, as he is a crucial offensive leader. How Phoenix manages without him could shape their season and impact the competitive balance of the Western Conference moving forward.
