The Phoenix Suns encountered renewed uncertainty Thursday night when Devin Booker left their game against the San Antonio Spurs early due to right hip soreness. This injury comes as a fresh obstacle while the Suns are aiming to secure a playoff spot in a tightly contested Western Conference.
Booker, already managing an ankle injury, appeared uncomfortable on the floor at Moody Center and exited the game with 5:24 remaining in the first quarter. Although he briefly returned in the second quarter, he only played for a short time before returning to the locker room permanently, finishing with five points and one rebound on 2-of-6 shooting in nine minutes.
Details Surrounding Booker’s Injury and Game Impact
Prior to Thursday’s game, Booker was still recovering from a right ankle sprain sustained on January 23 against the Atlanta Hawks, which caused him to miss eight of the previous ten games. Despite this, he returned earlier in the month and participated in the All-Star activities held in Los Angeles.
The hip issue immediately sparked concern due to its timing and Booker’s recent injury history. Throughout the game, the Suns struggled offensively and found themselves trailing by double digits for most of the evening, down 98-71 entering the final quarter. In Booker’s absence, Jordan Goodwin stepped into a greater role, starting the second half and helping the team attempt a comeback.
Potential Consequences for Phoenix’s Playoff Push
The injury’s timing is especially problematic as the Suns sit seventh in the Western Conference with a 32-23 record. Booker’s consistent performance, averaging 25.2 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over 43 games, makes him Phoenix’s primary offensive weapon. Although his three-point accuracy has recently dropped to a career-low 31.1 percent, his overall contribution remains vital.
Given his history with the ankle injury, the Suns’ medical team is expected to monitor Booker’s condition carefully in the coming days to prevent worsening the hip soreness. Head coach Jordan Ott and the team’s supporting cast will need to prepare for various scenarios, balancing caution with the urgency of upcoming playoff positioning.
If the hip soreness heals quickly, the Suns may stabilize without significant disruption. However, if the issue persists, secondary players like Jordan Goodwin and other members of the second unit will have to shoulder more offensive responsibilities during this critical phase of the season.
What Lies Ahead for Booker and the Suns
As the Suns await further updates on Booker’s recovery, the implications for the team’s playoff hopes remain uncertain. His health will be a determining factor for Phoenix’s ability to maintain momentum in the Western Conference race. The franchise’s medical staff and coaching team face the challenging task of managing Booker’s condition while preserving the team’s competitiveness heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Devin Booker out rest of Suns-Spurs game with right hip soreness (w/videos) #Suns https://t.co/erQLxIL12L via @azcentral
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 20, 2026
