The Phoenix Suns encountered a significant challenge in their first game following the All-Star break on Thursday, when star guard Devin Booker suffered a hip injury during their 121-94 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs. Booker left the game early in the first quarter, re-entered briefly in the second, but exited for good before halftime, raising concerns about the severity of his condition.
Coach Jordan Ott Addresses Booker’s Injury and Game Situation
Following the game, Suns head coach Jordan Ott shared his observations about Booker’s injury. Ott noted that Booker attempted to return to the court but was visibly not moving well, forcing the team to hold him back for his own health.
“[He] tried to go back out there,”
Ott said, as reported by Michael C. Wright of ESPN.
“[Had to] save him from himself. [He] wasn’t moving great when he came back in.”
“He felt good enough to come back in,”
Ott added.
“And the first couple of times up and down, I didn’t notice anything. And then, [I] definitely noticed there at the end of that second stint.”
Ongoing Injury Woes Strain Suns’ Backcourt Stability
This latest setback for Booker occurs less than a month after he missed multiple games due to a sprained right ankle, sustained on January 23 against the Atlanta Hawks. He was sidelined for seven consecutive games, returning only on February 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Since the start of 2026, Booker’s availability has been limited, playing just 13 of Phoenix’s 23 games, complicating the team’s ability to build consistent momentum.
Booker’s limited playtime is especially critical because he remains a key leader and playmaker for the Suns. He currently averages 24.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, performances that have helped maintain the team’s winning record. However, he can afford to miss only five more games if he hopes to remain eligible for All-NBA team honors this season, reinforcing the importance of his health going forward.
Impact on Team Chemistry and Future Readiness
The Suns face a challenging stretch ahead as their backcourt combination suffers from injuries. Jalen Green, Booker’s usual partner in the backcourt, has already dealt with missed games this season. Although Green scored 29 points in Thursday’s game, the absence of Booker leaves the team thinner and more vulnerable.
Coach Ott expressed his frustrations about the recent injuries, emphasizing his desire to see his key players competing together.
“I just want to see the guys play together. That’s it. That’s it, and I probably didn’t handle it right in-game when we got the news,”
Ott said, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Central.
Green also reflected on the difficulties of their staggered absences but remained optimistic.
“He started the year off playing every game, and I was out the whole time. It’s only one game. He can take his time. By the time he gets back, I’ll have my rhythm. He’s already going to have his rhythm. DB (Dillon Brooks) coming back.”
Outlook for the Suns as They Navigate Key Player Absences
The Suns now face the task of competing without Booker’s full participation, complicating their path in the ongoing season. The team will look to maintain its cohesion as Dillon Brooks returns and Jalen Green continues to develop his rhythm on the court. How the Suns manage these injuries and adjust their rotations will be critical to their success in the coming months. Booker’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but his health will be a pivotal factor for Phoenix’s playoff ambitions and pursuit of All-NBA recognition.
"I just want to see the guys play together. That's it. That's it and I probably didn't handle it right in game when we get the news."
A frustrated Jordan Ott after Suns 121-94 loss to Spurs as Devin Booker missed 2nd half with right hip soreness.
"I thought we battled back… pic.twitter.com/lWxTc3RB3Q
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 20, 2026
