Devin Booker didn’t hold back after the Phoenix Suns’ painful 114-106 loss to the Sacramento Kings—a game that sparked intense debate about the Suns’ reliance on Kevin Durant. With Durant sidelined due to injury, the Suns failed to secure a win in what was their second loss of the season. It left fans asking the hard question: Can Phoenix thrive without their star forward? Is Devin Booker the Phoenix Suns’ last hope, or will their playoff dreams slip away without Durant’s presence on the court?
Is Devin Booker the Phoenix Suns’ Last Hope in Durant’s Absence?
Booker, who played with all the heart but came up short in the end, shared candid thoughts on how the Suns are coping in Durant’s absence. “We can never replace what he brings to the table. Everyone has to step up. It’s a different style of basketball when he’s not here,” Booker explained. But despite his leadership, the Suns struggled to find rhythm, especially when key players didn’t step up to the plate. The game stretched into overtime after an intense second half, but costly mistakes allowed Sacramento to seal the deal.
Despite Booker’s gutsy performance—scoring 9 of 22 field goal attempts—he acknowledged the team’s struggles. “I’m making the reads. If they leave someone open, I’m looking to find the shot,” Booker said. But his performance raised eyebrows, as even his effort couldn’t overcome the glaring absence of Durant’s versatility.
Meanwhile, Booker also revealed he’s been battling discomfort, which has impacted his play. “I don’t know if it’s normal, but it’s something,” he admitted, hinting at ongoing struggles with pain. This isn’t the first time Booker has dealt with injury setbacks, having missed four games earlier in his career due to a minor ankle issue. Though he remains optimistic, the lingering effects appear to be affecting his overall performance.
As for Durant, the Suns have officially placed their star player on the bench for the next two weeks as he recovers from his injury. The medical staff is running further tests to figure out when he can return. In the meantime, the Suns face a tough schedule, with upcoming matches against the Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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