It was a thoroughly miserable night for the Phoenix Suns in Atlanta. The team coached by Jordan Ott, currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference and walking the fine line between the playoffs and the play-in, suffered its 18th loss of the season on Friday, falling 110–103 to the Atlanta Hawks. 

However, the final score was the least of the Suns’ concerns, as the Arizona side saw both their star player and another key offensive piece go down with injuries during the game.

Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns

Getty Images

The first setback involved Jalen Green, one of the team’s new faces this season. The former Rockets guard had returned to the rotation on Tuesday against Philadelphia after recovering from a hamstring setback, logging 20 minutes in the win over the Sixers. 

Bad luck struck again in Atlanta, though, as Green felt discomfort in his right hamstring just four minutes into the first quarter. He did not return to the floor, and it remains unclear whether the decision was precautionary or the result of a potential re-aggravation.

Alarms also went off when team star Devin Booker was injured. The play occurred in transition defense, when Booker awkwardly stepped on the foot of Onyeka Okongwu, suffering a significant twist to his right ankle. 

After the play, Booker was helped off the court by the medical staff and headed to the locker room showing clear signs of pain and obvious difficulty putting weight on the injured foot.

Up to the moment of the injury, the Suns were leading 91–84 with five seconds remaining in the third quarter, and Booker was having a sensational night. He had already posted 31 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 28 minutes before the unfortunate incident. 

Once deprived of their star, Ott’s team unraveled, and the Hawks closed the game with a 26–12 run in the final period to secure the win in Atlanta.

After the game, Ott confirmed Booker’s right ankle injury and said the star left the locker room on crutches, unable to put weight on his foot. He also addressed Green’s situation, confirming the guard’s discomfort. Green has already missed 33 games this season due to his hamstring injury.