The Phoenix Suns led the Western Conference teams with a 64-18 win/loss tally in the Western Conference. The Suns clinched the best win record and were healthy coming into the playoffs until Shooting Guard Devin Booker’s hamstring injury in the third quarter of their Game 2 resulted in their loss in Phoenix, Tuesday night.
Can the Phoenix Suns Survive without Devin Booker?
Devin Booker’s Hamstring Injury
Devin Booker went with the Suns to New Orleans despite his hamstring injury; he had been rehabbing and making stretches during his drills but still has to do more to strengthen his muscles. His drills do not appear close to returning in Game 4 of the round 1 playoffs against the Pelicans but he is trying to improve his condition. The Shooting Guard is averaging 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.7 from beyond the arc, and 4.6% from the free-throw line. Over the Sun’s last 10 outings, Ayton is averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds while Devin Booker is averaging 30.7 points for Phoenix. Additionally, Bookers’ defense and assists will greatly be missed.
According to Suns Coach Monty Williams, he just made “a few shots on the floor, but nothing didn’t break a sweat or anything like that.” Devin Booker will miss his second straight playoff game, as no.1 Phoenix shines into Sunday’s Game 4 with a 2-1 lead on the series after winning over New Orleans at 114-111, Friday night. Moreover, Game 5 is critical for the Sun’s survival without Booker.
Booker Will Miss the First Round Due to His Hamstring Injury
The Suns made an announcement on Thursday that All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker will miss the remainder of their first-round series against the New Orleans Pelicans. Another update has been provided on Booker’s progress and at the moment, things aren’t looking very good for the shooting guard because of his health issue. In short, Booker will be out in Round 1 of the playoff series.
Despite Devin Booker’s hamstring injury, the Phoenix Suns stand optimistic to move forward even with a Booker-less lineup. Meanwhile, Chris Paul and Center DeAndre Ayton scored a total of 56 points with each delivering 28 in their recent win over the Pelicans. It was Ayton’s career-high score along with 17 boards off the glass that led to their victory over the Pelicans. The dynamic duo stood out with Paul facilitating plays and Ayton controlling the boards.
Chris Paul’s Leadership Traits
As for Paul, he is just as smooth as silk with his veteran moves. His teammates found it easier with the brilliant point guard resulting in building up play-by-play throughout the match. The leadership traits of Chris Paul are what the team needs right now and he is living up to them. On top of these, The Phoenix Suns have a formidable depth chart that is enough to beat opponents in the playoffs in the absence of Booker.
Can the Phoenix Suns survive without Devin Booker? Yes, they can. They will have to if they want to outshine the rest of the teams in the Western Conference and consequently see the Suns to the Finals of the NBA 2021-2022 Championships. In other words, other players on the team must step up to compensate for Booker’s absence.
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