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Devin Booker has already been ruled out for the next two games of his team's suddenly competitive first-round playoff series against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Phoenix Suns superstar left the action due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain during Tuesday's loss, shortly after pouring in 31 first-half points.
Needless to say, Booker will be missed on the floor as the short-handed Suns try to re-take control of this series. But just because he's not playing doesn't mean Booker won't make an impact for Phoenix. In fact, he's even traveled with the team to New Orleans to sit on the bench for Games 3 and 4, as the Suns leave no stone unturned in their quest for a championship.
“He's still with us,” Chris Paul said of Booker, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “He could've stayed back, but he understands how important he is to our team.”
Deandre Ayton echoed that sentiment.
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“We need him,” Ayton said. “Just having that talk out there. Him pointing out things we normally don't see from his perspective.”
Phoenix, obviously, won't be winning the title without Booker. Hamstring injuries of his severity normally keep players out anywhere from two-to-three weeks, but it wouldn't be surprising if Booker returned sooner given the stakes of postseason play.
Until then, Phoenix will have to rely on his influence from the bench.
The Suns and Pelicans tip off Game 3 on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. (PST) from Smoothie King Center.
