The Phoenix Suns have surpassed expectations this season following superstar forward Kevin Durant’s departure last offseason, positioning themselves to make the playoffs and potentially emerge as a dangerous team in the Western Conference.
A major reason for that rise has been the team’s depth, including the emergence of Dillon Brooks, but also the continued excellence of shooting guard Devin Booker.
Booker remains one of the league’s most polished three‑level scorers, capable of creating offense from anywhere on the floor and carrying stretches of a game on his own with his scoring abilities.
The 29‑year‑old has averaged 25.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting 45.5% from the field and 31.1% from three across 43 appearances this year.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Suns returned to action Thursday on the road against the San Antonio Spurs, looking to set the tone for the second half of the season. Booker started the game and logged nine minutes in the first quarter, scoring five points on 2‑of‑6 shooting with one rebound in a tightly contested matchup.
But when he checked back in during the second quarter, he played only two minutes before being subbed out and heading straight to the locker room, immediately raising concern.
Booker did not return for the second half, and teammate Jordan Goodwin opened in his place. Moments later, the Suns announced that Booker had been ruled out for the remainder of the game with right hip soreness (h/t Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports).
Devin Booker is out due to right hip soreness, per Suns
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) February 20, 2026
This is troubling for Phoenix because Booker is the offensive engine of the franchise. Everything the Suns run flows through him, and his ability to score, draw defensive attention and create for others is central to their ceiling.
He is the most important player on the roster, a five‑time All‑Star and two‑time All‑NBA selection whose presence dictates how competitive the Suns can be on any given night.
If Phoenix hopes to maintain its momentum and make a legitimate postseason push, keeping Booker healthy will be the single biggest factor in determining how far this team can go. Any further updates on his status will be provided.
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