For ten long days, the Phoenix Suns have been forced to operate without their offensive engine. But Head Coach Jordan Ott delivered the words fans have been waiting to hear, offering the most encouraging update yet on Devin Booker’s recovery from a right ankle sprain. After a frustrating stretch on the sidelines, the All-NBA guard appears to be trending toward a return, providing a much-needed boost for a team eager to regain its rhythm.

“Book is making tremendous progress. Obviously been on the court multiple times, Coach Ott said before the Clippers game. On whether the 29-year-old returns just before the All-Star break, Ott showed confidence in Booker’s approach. “We know who he is. As soon as he can get out there, he’s going to get out there, whether the All-Star break is tomorrow or in two weeks. He’s going to rehab like crazy. He was in there again this morning. Whenever he’s ready, he will be out there.”

Ott is being optimistic about how Devin Booker’s rehab is progressing. Coach confirmed that the Suns star is “skipping steps basically” to return sooner and continue the momentum the Suns have built recently. His return is also essential, since Jordan Ott is also without another trusted soldier in Jalen Green.

Against the Hawks, it turned out to be a triple whammy for the Suns. They eventually lost 103-110 and also two stars to injury. Green was playing in just his second game back from a right hamstring strain that had sidelined him for 30+ games.

In Atlanta, he came off the bench and logged only a few minutes before limping back to the locker room. Soon after Devin Booker rolled his right ankle on another player’s foot, he stayed down in visible pain and was ruled out shortly thereafter.

After the game, he left the locker room on crutches, avoiding pressure on the ankle. Last Thursday, Ott confirmed that Book has progressed to on-court activity, signaling that his return to the lineup may be sooner than later.

The Suns Have Shown Grit Without Devin Booker Ahead of his Return

The Phoenix Suns have demonstrated notable resilience without Devin Booker this season. In the nine games played in his absence, Phoenix has posted a 4–5 record while averaging 104.6 points per contest. That grit was especially evident after an early 0–3 skid, when the Suns responded with a three-game winning streak to steady themselves.

Although the .444 win percentage reflects their ability to stay competitive, the team has undeniably felt the loss of Booker’s scoring punch (25.4 PPG) and playmaking gravity (6.2 APG) whenever he’s off the floor.

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In the meantime, several players have stepped up to help fill the void, none more prominently than Dillon Brooks. Thrust into a larger offensive role, Brooks has become the focal point of the attack, averaging 23.8 points per game on 43.5 percent shooting and 40 percent from three in contests without Booker.

He has also contributed solid rebounding and playmaking, frequently leading the team in scoring and providing the high-volume production the Suns desperately need. His emergence has been pivotal in keeping Phoenix competitive night in and night out.

Alongside Brooks, other members of the backcourt have done their part to keep the offense afloat. Guards such as Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin have taken on increased responsibilities, offering reliable defense, improved spacing, and timely secondary scoring.

Their collective effort has helped the Suns remain balanced, even without their primary star available.

Despite thriving in an expanded role, Brooks has consistently deflected credit back to Booker. Amid growing All-Star discussion, he publicly praised his teammate, calling Booker the “real All-Star” and emphasizing that he “has been leading us the whole time.”

Brooks added that Booker “deserves to be in that All-Star talk” because of his production and leadership throughout the season.

That respect also extends beyond the stat sheet. Brooks has frequently spoken about their on-court chemistry, describing their partnership as “easy” and referring to Booker as a “big brother” figure since his arrival in Phoenix.

Together, those sentiments reflect not only the bond between the two players but also the culture that has allowed the Suns to stay resilient even in challenging circumstances.