Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES – Even though the Phoenix Suns currently hold a 66-52 lead over the Lakers at halftime, Devin Booker’s injury has become the main talking point for Suns fans.
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Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) moves the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
When Devin Booker grabbed at his groin late at the end of the first quarter and walked off into the locker room against the Lakers, it wasn’t just another star limping into the tunnel; it was the kind of moment that forces a franchise to answer the question every team dreads. What is the game plan without their star scorer? For the Phoenix Suns, this team, whether fans like it or not, the answer funnels straight to Dillon Brooks. If Brooks thrives as the temporary offensive centerpiece, this team gains a second postseason-ready scoring axis.
Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and forward LeBron James (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Every team needs a scorer who doesn’t flinch when a star disappears. Brooks, long painted as a defensive agitator and emotional accelerant, now becomes the primary usage valve. Historically, when a team loses its top scorer, the next-man-up pattern isn’t random; it’s mathematical. Increased volume goes to the most matchup-resilient creator, not necessarily the flashiest. For this roster, that’s Brooks.
Phoenix Suns fans react to Devin Booker’s injury:
Cool, Devin Booker hurt again. We can never have nice things. Just when everyone is coming back
— Alex (@Patsnation87) December 2, 2025
Yearly Devin Booker muscle injury has happened
— LOJA (@talk_suns) December 2, 2025
Devin Booker’s annual groin injury is upon us
— NBA Jay Knicky (@JayKnicky) December 2, 2025
we are so cooked actually.. hardest stretch of the season, in season tournament coming up, and Devin Booker gets injured which can keep him out for multiple weeks 💔
— 1⚡️ (@d6ook) December 2, 2025
Phoenix fans feel the shift immediately. The offense looks different, as they are powering their offense with more forceful attacking on transitions. This identity jolt has value as it helps clarify roles, pressure the coaching staff to diversify sets, and gives younger players a blueprint for assertiveness in meaningful minutes. If Booker were to miss a massive amount of time, though, due to this new groin injury, it would surely hurt everything the Suns have been working towards.
Dec 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns lead Lakers at halftime as Devin Booker exits with groin injury
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
