Devin Booker and Jalen Green injured in Suns loss to Hawks
Jan 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) goes down with an injury as guard Jordan Goodwin (23) and forward Oso Ighodaro (11) look on against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Devin Booker excellent before injury exit
Devin Booker was in great form before injuring his right ankle with 5 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The four-time All-Star had compiled 31 points in 28 minutes, shooting 12/21 from the field including an excellent 5/9 from 3-point range. He was leading the Suns toward a likely victory with a 91-84 lead at the time of the incident.
The injury occurred as Booker was running in transition, looking over his shoulder without seeing Onyeka Okongwu in his path. He stepped on the Hawks center’s foot and twisted his right ankle, remaining on the floor for several minutes in pain before being helped to the locker room while limping.
According to reports after the game, Booker left the locker room on crutches, a sign that the injury could be more serious than initially hoped.
Jalen Green suffers setback after just two games
Earlier in the evening, Jalen Green also left the court in the first quarter with right hamstring discomfort. The 25-year-old guard, acquired in the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston, was playing just his second game since returning after missing 33 games with a similar injury.
Green had shown promising signs early in the game, notably a superb drive past Luke Kennard for an easy basket at the rim. But moments later, he was heading to the locker room and was ruled out as a precaution with right hamstring discomfort.
This setback raises serious questions about the future of his season and the Suns’ ability to count on him regularly.
Atlanta takes advantage of missing stars to win
The Hawks perfectly capitalized on the absence of both guards to turn the situation around. Trailing by seven points entering the final quarter, they dominated the final period 26-12 to win 110-103.
Onyeka Okongwu led Atlanta’s attack with 25 points, well supported by Jalen Johnson (23 points, 18 rebounds) and CJ McCollum (21 points). The Suns, deprived of their primary playmakers, scored just 12 points in the fourth quarter, their offense becoming completely ineffective.
This defeat ends a three-game winning streak for Phoenix, who finish their road trip with a record of 3 wins and 3 losses before returning home Sunday to face the Miami Heat.
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