PHOENIX – A significant injury to a key player has further complicated the Phoenix Suns’ playoff push. Forward Dillon Brooks suffered a broken left hand during Saturday’s double-overtime victory against the Orlando Magic and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, sources confirmed. The injury occurred late in the first quarter, and Brooks was officially ruled out after the third quarter began.
The timing of the injury is particularly challenging for the Suns, as All-Star guard Devin Booker is already expected to miss at least one week due to a right hip strain sustained Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. Brooks, averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game this season, had been a crucial component of Phoenix’s resurgence as a physically aggressive team. He managed five points and three rebounds before exiting Saturday’s game.
The Suns, currently 33-24, have surprised many this season, establishing a new culture and identity under first-year head coach Jordan Ott. Brooks and Booker have been central to this transformation, alongside a young core including Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams, and Ryan Dunn. Without Brooks, the team is 3-4 this season, highlighting his importance to their success.
Coach Ott emphasized the need for the Suns to maintain their aggressive and physical style of play, particularly with Brooks unavailable. “The last handful of games, I don’t think we’ve been there, some of that’s going into the break,” Ott said to reporters before Saturday’s game. “San Antonio’s unique roster build of type of athletes that those guys are, defensively, they come right to your chest. That’s kind of how the game is moving.”
Ott further explained the challenges of defending against physically imposing ball handlers. “The ball handler gets the advantage, and he’s allowed to get the advantage. You got to withstand it and it’s one-on-one, a lot of times it’s right through your chest. Tonight, that’s the same challenge. These guys are physical drivers. We know they want to get into the paint, they want to get to the rim. That’s their advantage. We got to withstand that first bump as much as we want to support you.” He added, “A lot of times that does come down to one-on-one. So, we try to pick them up a little bit higher. That’s what we do. Our pickup points will be extended, trying to apply pressure where we can, but knowing they’re coming to your chest. Van Carroll is one of the most physical drivers they have in the league, we got to do our best to withstand that initial bump and not foul.”
Brooks’ absence leaves a void in the Suns’ scoring and physicality, particularly alongside Jalen Green. His suspension earlier this season, following the All-Star break against the San Antonio Spurs due to technical foul accumulation, underscored his impact on the team’s performance. The Suns were “clearly overmatched” without his presence, described as their “spark plug both in the huddle and in the locker room.”
The severity of Brooks’ injury and the timeline for his return remain uncertain. Doctors are scheduled to meet on Sunday to determine a more precise recovery schedule. The broken hand represents a significant setback for both Brooks, who was enjoying a career year, and the Suns, who are aiming to solidify their position as a playoff contender in a competitive Western Conference. The team’s ability to navigate this period of adversity will be a key test of their newfound resilience and depth.
Booker’s hip strain, which will keep him out for at least a week, adds to the Suns’ challenges. The All-Star guard is averaging 24.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 44 games this season. He recently returned from a seven-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggles with player availability.
The Suns’ success this season has been a surprise to many, given their relatively recent roster overhaul and the first-year status of Coach Ott. The team’s ability to overcome these injuries and maintain its competitive edge will be crucial as the regular season progresses and the playoffs approach. The loss of Brooks, a key contributor to their physical style of play, will undoubtedly be felt on both ends of the court.
