PHOENIX – When Devin Booker rolled his ankle against Atlanta, a freak collision after running into Hawks C Onyeka Okongwu, the play itself felt random. The aftermath does not as the Phoenix Suns said that with the Devin Booker injury, he will be ruled out for the Suns and scheduled for reevaluation in a week, which instantly shifts the emotional temperature in Phoenix.
PHOENIX – When Devin Booker rolled his ankle against Atlanta, a freak collision after running into Hawks C Onyeka Okongwu, the play itself felt random. The aftermath does not as the Phoenix Suns said that with the Devin Booker injury, he will be ruled out for the Suns and scheduled for reevaluation in a week, which instantly shifts the emotional temperature in Phoenix. (Credit: Shane Young | Phoenix Suns)
Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) injury. Guards 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
How do the Suns deal with the Devin Booker injury?
Booker isn’t just the Suns’ leading scorer. He’s the organizer, emotional leader, and face of the franchise. Before the injury, he was on a roll by blending scoring efficiency with controlled playmaking, keeping Phoenix steady during high-expectation stretches. The Suns weren’t just winning; they were executing, a difference fans recognize immediately.
Jan 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after suffering an injury against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With Booker on the floor, Phoenix’s offensive efficiency jumps, their turnover rate drops, and their late-game execution sharpens. Those are not easily replaceable traits. Even short absences force ripple effects as roles stretch, rotations tighten, and margins shrink. In the Western Conference, that matters nightly.
Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) and guard Dyson Daniels (5) and forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
For Phoenix fans, the waiting is the hardest part. A week isn’t long in a season, but it’s long when their number one scorer is involved. Every update feels personal because his presence defines what Suns basketball is supposed to look like. This is not a long-term diagnosis, just a checkpoint. But it’s also a reminder that success in Phoenix is built around Booker’s ability to be available, composed, and relentless. The Suns’ ceiling, their confidence, and their connection to the fan base all run through Booker, and injuries like this make that clear.
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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
Category: General Sports
