© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
HOUSTON — Without Devin Booker the Suns looked like a team trying to manufacture answers that weren’t there. Houston didn’t overwhelm them with flash, it just exposed how fragile Phoenix becomes when its leader is not on the floor.
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Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Without Devin Booker, Phoenix’s offensive efficiency dropped sharply. The spacing shrank, the ball stalled, and possessions turned into isolation auditions rather than structured attacks. What stood out wasn’t the lack of shot-making; it was the lack of direction. Early on in the game, Phoenix was taking advantage of a Rockets team that was going through the motions, but couldn’t continue being a force on defense.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Suns’ role players and depth couldn’t carry the weight alongside Dillon Brooks as well, and the Rockets’ star players, Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, took over. Phoenix was able to take care of them defensively at first, but Houston made the necessary adjustments to make sure their bench couldn’t keep that consistent.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) grabs a rebound away from Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (30) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Suns fans know injuries happen. But the Western Conference isn’t built to wait for anyone. Tonight made clear that without Booker’s stabilizing presence, or without the versatility Jalen Green was supposed to add, the Suns struggle to manufacture sustainable offense and reliable defensive counters. Phoenix needs more than health to compete with the league’s elite; they need answers on how to compete against the NBA’s top-tier talent.
Phoenix Suns slow down after early lead, trail Rockets at halftime
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
