The Phoenix Suns took a brutal punch to the gut in Game 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans. Not only did they drop their first game of the NBA playoffs but Devin Booker suffered a hamstring injury. As the first-round series turns to New Orleans, the Suns will have to fight uphill to take the lead back.
The Pelicans came out strong against the Suns and rode a dominant third quarter to victory. Booker left the game during that period, which saw New Orleans outscore Phoenix by 12 points.
Suns defensive star Mikal Bridges said after the game that they will be ready with or without Booker.
"We're gonna be ready Man"
-Mikal Bridges in going to Game 3 without Devin Bookerpic.twitter.com/NlKRN1VgKj
— Suns Nation (@SunsNationCP) April 20, 2022
The Suns have embraced a next-man-up mentality all season long. They won 64 games despite lengthy absences from Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. Each star missed 14, 17 and 24 games respectively, some of which overlapped. With Paul and Ayton still available, Phoenix can put up a fight against anyone.
Suns head coach Monty Williams touted the team's ability to play without one of their key players. The team is deep and talented enough to survive without one of its stars, though the Pelicans will be tough to take down on their home floor without Booker.
The Pelicans' dynamic scoring duo of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram will keep Phoenix busy on defense while Herb Jones will make the Suns' lives brutal on offense. The Devin Booker injury will be costly but Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul and company should still be able to keep up in the NBA playoffs while he recovers.
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