Suns get bad news before tip-off vs. Lakers

The Phoenix Suns just got some bad news hours before their game tips off against the Los Angeles Lakers, the second game for them in the 2023-24 NBA season.

They are 1-0 so far after a tough, hard-fought battle against the Golden State Warriors saw the Suns win, but every win counts in the Western Conference, as now they will have to get one on the road in Los Angeles with several things not going their way.

Then again, what’s new?

According to Duane Rankin of AZ Central, Devin Booker (left foot soreness) and Bradley Beal (low back tightness) are out for the Phoenix Suns’ Thursday night matchup in Hollywood.

This will be the second straight game missed for Beal, who has yet to play this season, and the first game missed by Booker this year. Booker, though, was the Suns’ entire offense last game. He played the point guard role, or “point Book,” as the fans like to say, and was the only real way Phoenix could get anything going at all.

When Booker wasn’t on the floor, even if Kevin Durant was out there still, the offense got stagnant at times. Durant struggled with his shots, as he shot 32% from the field, and when that happens, the offense as a whole just won’t be as good.

Then again, how often does that happen? Durant spoke about the two of his counterparts in the big three being out for Thursday.

“Next man up mentality,” Durant told reporters during practice. “We hope for Book and Brad to get back as soon as possible. We try to hold down the fort for them.”

Durant is capable of leading a team on his own, especially offensively. However, it is much easier with the other two on the court with him. The Lakers are definitely no slouch, as they are still one of the best teams in the league. Now that Booker and Beal are officially ruled out, the Suns know thaat all hands on deck are required.