Devin Booker had an incredible game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Booker was playing very well during the first half, scoring 31 points. Booker looked ready to take the game over, as he made many difficult shots. But in the second half, Booker suffered a pretty significant hamstring injury while trying to chase down Jaxson Hayes as he looked to lay the ball up. Booker was subbed out and rested for the rest of the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ectof4FWr0
Charles Barkley spoke about Devin Booker’s injury on Inside The NBA on TNT. Barkley, who is also a Suns legend in his own right, lamented Barkley’s injury. He noted that as an athlete, there is nothing worse than a hamstring injury, as they are one of the most volatile injuries possible; difficult to ascertain how long they can last. A hamstring injury can occur at any time, which is why Barkley said they’re so frustrating (5:39 onwards).
“As an athlete, you never wanna hear that it’s a hamstring. You never wanna hear hamstring. It’s unfortunate. It can feel great one second and feel bad the next.”
Booker was looking very good before the injury, scoring 31 points in the first half alone. Devin Booker will be reevaluated, and a timeline for his return will be established. The Suns will be hoping that Booker won’t be out for too long because he is their best scorer, and given how the Pelicans have been playing, the Suns will definitely need Booker’s scoring.
Booker was even under consideration for the MVP award. Booker was absolutely sensational, with many people making the argument that he was the best player for the Suns, the best team in the NBA. Booker’s importance to Phoenix cannot be understated, and his absence from the squad will give the Pelicans a real opening in this series.
