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[Jolly Sports News] Although Devin Booker made his return from injury for the Phoenix Suns, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 117-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis was without their star Ja Morant, who sat out with an AC joint sprain, but the duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane stepped up to lead the Grizzlies.
Booker scored 16 points on a tough 4-of-20 shooting night, but the loss went beyond his shooting struggles. The Suns suffered their third consecutive defeat, further compounded by an injury to Bradley Beal, who exited in the first quarter with a left hip contusion and did not return.
Injuries have been a recurring theme for Phoenix this season, limiting their potential and disrupting continuity.
Despite the challenges, Suns players and coaches refrained from making excuses. Booker addressed the team’s frustrations in his postgame press conference, emphasizing the importance of finding solutions early in the season.
“The frustration level is high,” Booker admitted. “We’re all competitors here, and we realize these games are going to cost us at the end of the season. You want to do your work early, pre-All-Star break, before it comes down to the nitty-gritty. You never know what can happen. Injuries can happen around that time, too. So, we want to gain some ground, get up out of the play-in position, and win every possible game that we can.”
The Suns have played only 12 games this season with their “Big 3” of Booker, Beal, and Kevin Durant all on the court.
Injuries have limited their availability, with Booker missing five games, Beal nine, and Durant ten. This inconsistency has hindered their chemistry and left the team vulnerable to opponents.
While the supporting cast—including Royce O’Neale, Josh Okogie, and Mason Plumlee—has stepped up admirably, it’s unrealistic to expect them to carry the offensive load consistently. Rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro have shown flashes, but the constant lineup changes have made it difficult for the team to gel.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer echoed Booker’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for resilience during tough times.
“It’s never easy in this league,” Budenholzer said. “We have guys that have won at a high level and have high expectations and standards. The leadership from our players is key—staying together and continuing to fight. These are not easy times, but we’ll find a way through it together.”
Phoenix’s ownership, led by Mat Ishbia, has demonstrated a commitment to winning, but the team’s 15-17 record after 32 games is far below expectations for a roster featuring three All-NBA players.
The Suns will look to regroup with a few days off before embarking on a three-game road trip, starting with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.
Booker and Durant are expected to play in that game, giving the Suns an opportunity to regain some of the momentum they had at the season’s start. With extra rest and a renewed focus, the team hopes to bounce back and find their rhythm before the All-Star break.
