Devin Booker, Suns star, exits early from dominant win over Lakers due to groin injury

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker left Monday nights matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers prematurely due to a suspected groin injury. Despite his exit, the Suns dominated the game, securing a 125-108 win at Crypto.com Arena.

Booker started the game strong, scoring 11 points in the first quarter to help Phoenix gain an early lead. However, with just over two minutes remaining in the opening period, he left the court and did not return. The team later confirmed that Booker suffered a right groin injury, though additional details about the severity are still unclear.

At the time of his departure, Booker had contributed three assists, two rebounds, and 11 points. He entered the game averaging 25.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season, marking his 11th year in the NBA. Notably, this marks the third December in four years that Booker has experienced a groin injury, previously missing 20 games in December 2022 and five games last season due to similar issues.

Even without Booker, the Suns cruised to victory. Dillon Brooks led Phoenix with 33 points, while Collin Gillespie added 28 points, including eight 3-pointers. The team ended the second quarter on a 19-4 run and maintained the lead throughout the second half, improving their record to 13-9.

For the Lakers, Luka Doni recorded 38 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, with Austin Reaves contributing 16 points. LeBron James, playing in only his fifth game of the season after recovering from a sciatica injury, scored 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting. He briefly struggled to extend his double-digit scoring streak in the fourth quarter but managed to reach the mark before exiting the game.

The Suns are scheduled to face the Houston Rockets next on Friday.

Author: Sophia Brooks