Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
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Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center.
The Phoenix Suns opened their six-game East Coast road trip with a loss in Miami on Tuesday night.
The result stung. But what happened in the third quarter mattered more than the final score.
Devin Booker chased down a fast break, exploded toward the rim for a block attempt, and came down hard on his left ankle. The landing was ugly. He limped to the locker room, and for a brief moment, it looked like Phoenix’s trip might fall apart before it ever gained momentum.
Then Booker returned.
He taped up the ankle, came back out in the fourth quarter, and tried to drag the Suns back into a game that was already slipping away. Phoenix lost, but Booker’s willingness to push through said everything about this team’s mentality.
Now the injury report is out. Booker’s name is on it.
Devin Booker’s Status for Thursday Night
Booker is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
The designation offers some relief. Questionable is not out. It is not doubtful. There is space for optimism.
Booker has always played well in Detroit. He grew up in Michigan, and games at Little Caesars Arena tend to bring out something extra in him. The Suns would prefer to have him available Thursday, especially with Madison Square Garden looming later in the trip. But even if he sits, the fact that he is listed as questionable rather than ruled out entirely suggests the ankle injury may not be as serious as it initially appeared.
Why This Matters for The Suns’ Road Trip
The Suns enter Thursday at 24-16, sitting seventh in a loaded Western Conference.
That record has caught people off guard. Phoenix lost Kevin Durant in the offseason, and most projections had the Suns fighting for a play-in spot at best. Instead, they have been one of the league’s best defensive teams over the last month, holding opponents to a 108.7 defensive rating over their last 10 games, while forcing turnovers and controlling tempo.
Booker has been the foundation of that success. He creates offense when the structure breaks down, and he has taken on tougher defensive assignments without complaint. The addition of Dillon Brooks has also provided valuable toughness and versatility.
Losing Booker for multiple games during this stretch would force Phoenix to lean more heavily on its bench. Jalen Green is already ruled out for Thursday, which only increases the burden on the rest of the rotation.
The Miami Loss Set the Tone
Tuesday’s game in Miami showed what this road trip could become if things tilt the wrong way.
The Heat came out aggressive, shooting 57% in the first half and building a lead that felt insurmountable. Phoenix fought back after halftime, outscoring Miami by double digits in the second half and clawing back into contention. The Suns forced turnovers, controlled the paint, and gave themselves a chance late.
Then Bam Adebayo started hitting threes from deep, and the game slipped away for good.
But the effort was there. The fight was there. And Booker’s decision to return after the ankle injury reinforced the tone this team has carried all season. He does not lead through volume or theatrics. He leads by showing up when it matters, even when the game is already lost and the smart move would be to sit out.
That kind of example matters more than the box score.
PHNX Suns
BREAKING: Devin Booker is QUESTIONABLE with a left ankle sprain tomorrow against the Pistons.
Final Word for the Suns
Devin Booker’s availability remains uncertain heading into Thursday.
The questionable tag leaves room for him to play, but it also acknowledges that the ankle needs more evaluation before any final decisions are made. Phoenix will need him healthy if this road trip is going to go the way they hope.
Six games, 10 days, all away from home. It is the kind of stretch that can define a season.