The Phoenix Suns ran through the NBA regular season, going 64-18, earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, and finishing with the best record in the league. The closest team to them was the Memphis Grizzlies, who finished eight games behind the Suns.
Heading into the postseason, Phoenix was pegged as the favorites to win the NBA Championship. Their first-round series many thought would be a breeze against the New Orleans Pelicans, who earned a spot via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
New Orleans defeated the San Antonio Spurs and LA Clippers to earn their spot. They caught a break against the Clippers when Paul George was announced out before the game because of a positive COVID-19 test. They are now catching another break, as the Suns look like they will be without All-Star Devin Booker for a little while.
Devin Booker was torching the Pelicans through the first half of Game 2 of their series. He scored 31 points in the first half, helping get the Phoenix Suns a five-point lead at halftime. But, in the third quarter of the game, something looked off.
LATEST NBA NEWS: 3 Stars The Phoenix Suns Should Look To Pair With Devin Booker In Future
Booker attempted only one shot in 7:25 of playing time in the third quarter, exiting at the 4:25 mark. That would be the last time we saw him in the game as he was ruled out with a hamstring ailment. We may not see him back on the court until the series returns to Phoenix for Game 5.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Booker appears unlikely to play in Game 3 or 4 in New Orleans. The MRI results are still being evaluated, which likely isn’t a positive thing.
Without Booker in the lineup, the Phoenix Suns managed to score only 40 points the rest of the game. Phoenix was outscored 69-53 in the second half of the game.
LATEST NBA NEWS: 3 Stars The Phoenix Suns Should Look To Pair With Devin Booker In Future
They were unable to keep up with the Pelicans and Brandon Ingram, who scored 37 points on his own, making numerous difficult shots throughout the evening. He finished one assist shy of a triple-double, as he handed out nine helpers to go with 11 rebounds.
Sans Booker, Phoenix is going to need someone else to pick up the scoring slack in the lineup. Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Johnson will all receive more opportunities with the ball in their hands.
LATEST NBA NEWS: 3 Stars The Phoenix Suns Should Look To Pair With Devin Booker In Future
Chris Paul, who scored 30 points in Game 1, will need to put the offense on his back and carry the team as long as Devin Booker is sidelined.
