Booker out for Pistons game with injury
Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker is listed out of Thursday’s game against Detroit (4-15) after straining his left hamstring in Tuesday’s home win over Golden State.
The victory tied a franchise record for longest win streak at 17 set in the 200607 season.
Missing the entire second half against the Warriors (18-3), Booker scored 10 points in the first half in 16 minutes. He left the game with 5:59 left in the first half after initially hurting his hamstring on a drive to the basket.
Fouled by Otto Porter Jr. on the play, Booker went down and grabbed at his leg while heading to the free throw line. He later attempted a 3 and missed, but eventually came out the game, headed to the locker room and didn’t return to the Phoenix (18-3) bench before halftime.
Cam Johnson started the second half in Booker’s place. The Suns forward scored 14 points, hitting 3-of-7 from deep, but he appeared to battle leg cramps in the second half.
Trainers were icing the back of his leg and moving his foot up and down to help loosen his left calf in the fourth quarter. Drinking fluids on the sidelines, Johnson tried to return, but could hardly run and called to come out the game.
Mikal Bridges replaced Johnson with 5:38 left in the game.
Johnson didn’t return, but he’s not listed on the Suns injury report.
Booker returned to the bench in the second half and enthusiastically cheered for him teammates as the Suns limited Golden State to 18 points in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors had scored 100 points in each of their previous games this season before coming up short of that against the Suns in the first of three matchups between the two teams within 30 days.
With Booker listed out for Thursday’s game, it’s highly unlikely he’ll play in Friday’s rematch at Golden State.
The NBA’s top two teams will meet for a third time Christmas Day in Phoenix.