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PHOENIX – Losing Devin Booker and Jalen Green due to injuries on Friday night in Atlanta isn’t just bad luck for the Phoenix Suns; it’s a stress test.
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Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) goes down with an injury as guard Jordan Goodwin (23) and forward Oso Ighodaro (11) look on against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
It was another hamstring setback for Green, in just his second game back since being sidelined since November, reopening a familiar wound for Suns fans. Then came Booker’s ankle injury late in the third quarter, a freak accident away from the play, the kind that makes teams question the cruelty of timing more than tactics. Together, they removed the Suns’ primary scoring gravity in minutes.
Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) boxes out Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
So the story shifts. Not to hit the panic button, but to what the Suns do as a response. Dillon Brooks now becomes the emotional leader and competitive engine. His impact isn’t theoretical as lineups with Brooks consistently show improved defensive efficiency and pace control, and his edge has redefined the team’s nightly tone. He doesn’t replace Booker’s shot-making, but he replaces a leader and somebody everybody around him can count on.
Suns fans know they can rely on Phoenix’s role players:
This really hurts but Phoenix have enough depth with Collin, Goody, Grayson & Bouyea coming back.
— DepOne215 (@billwilliam970) January 24, 2026
In the backcourt, Collin Gillespie’s breakout is no longer a pleasant surprise; it’s a necessity. He’s shown an ability to control tempo, attack mismatches, hit big shots, and close stretches. Those traits that stabilize teams when stars disappear. Pair that with Grayson Allen, one of the league’s most reliable three-point shooters, and Phoenix retains spacing and late-game viability. Allen has already swung outcomes this season with timely shooting and secondary creation.
Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) dunks past Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Then there’s the depth that the Phoenix Suns and GM Brian Gregory have built with players like Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, and Jordan Goodwin. Hustle metrics, defensive activity, and second-chance plays are the hidden currencies of survival, as their energy keeps the floor from collapsing. Mark Williams will assume a bigger role in the offensive gameplan as well. When engaged, his paint scoring and rebounding can tilt games. Opportunity is knocking loudly for a lot of the Suns’ role players, and they have shown they are ready to take on any challenge.
Suns HC Jordan Ott gives injury update on Devin Booker and Jalen Green
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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
