THE Phoenix Suns hope Devin Booker and Grayson Allen might be again for Tuesday’s sport in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies on New 12 months’s Eve on the Footprint Heart after each participating in 5-on-5 motion on Monday.
“You all the time need to see how they react (to follow) within the morning,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer stated after Monday’s follow.
Allen missed Phoenix’s final 4 video games as a consequence of concussion protocol after Detroit Pistons ahead Simone Fontecchio caught him with an elbow to the again of the top on a putback within the second half of a December 21 defeat.
“I really feel good,” Allen stated. “No extra concussion signs, nothing. I had a couple of days of ramping up. By the phases of the concussion protocol. Every part went nicely. I am in a very good place now.
Booker has been out the previous 5 video games as a consequence of a left groin pressure he suffered within the second half of the Dec. 19 loss to Indiana. The Suns (15-16) are 1-4 throughout this stretch.
“Devin did nearly all the coaching,” Budenholzer stated. “We had 5 on 5. It was a very good day for E book.
“Devin did nearly all of follow as we speak. We performed 5-on-5. It was a very good day for E book.”
Q: As for Grayson, similar factor?
“Identical factor.”
Mike Budenholzer on Devin Booker (groin) and Grayson Allen (concussion) because the Suns hope to return Tuesday in opposition to Memphis. #Suns https://t.co/vp3tOaVcy5 pic.twitter.com/gskKXY3U8h
– Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 30, 2024
Budenholzer stated Bol Bol (left knee bruise) participated in “60 to 70 p.c of practices” however didn’t do any reside motion. Like Booker, Bol has missed Phoenix’s final 5 video games with a knee harm.
Jusuf Nurkic will serve the second of his three-game suspension with out pay on Tuesday for his involvement in an on-court altercation with Dallas forwards Naji Marshall and PJ Washington Jr. throughout Friday’s loss to the Mavericks on the Footprint Heart.
Royce O’Neale will seemingly be out Tuesday after struggling a sprained left ankle late within the first half of Saturday’s loss at Golden State. He didn’t play the second half, left the sector with a strolling boot and didn’t follow Monday.
“He obtained an image. I believe total it was constructive. I believe that is type of the extent of the knowledge that was given to me. I believe it was a very good departure from ankle however the picture was as constructive as doable.
Mike Budenholzer on Royce O’Neale, who did not follow as we speak. #Suns pic.twitter.com/EqdYVdI103
– Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 30, 2024
“He had a picture,” Budenholzer stated. “I believe total it was constructive. I believe that is type of the extent of the knowledge that was supplied to me. I believe it was a very good sprained ankle however the image was as constructive because it could possibly be.”
The Suns are under .500 for the primary time since Christmas final season, once they fell to 14-15 after a house loss to Dallas over the vacations. Returning to eleventh within the West, Phoenix has misplaced its final two video games, in opposition to the Mavs and Saturday at Golden State within the second of a row.
Durant scored a team-high 31 factors however dedicated three of his game-high eight turnovers within the ultimate six minutes of the loss to the Warriors.
“What do you suppose a staff goes to do after I get the ball with 4 seconds left? They are going to promote out to attempt to cease me.”
Kevin Durant 8 TO together with 3 within the 4th of the Suns’ 109-105 defeat in opposition to the Warriors.
“I’m not going to let a couple of turnovers take away my aggressiveness.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/zNzeG4PQNI
– Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 29, 2024
“I am not going to let a couple of turnovers take away from my aggressiveness as a result of my staff wants me to attain the ball, particularly proper now with the circumstances we’re in,” Durant stated after Saturday’s loss.
The Suns dedicated 14 turnovers for the sport, main Golden State to twenty factors.
“I do know everybody in Phoenix, the followers and everybody goes responsible the turnovers, however you take a look at how arduous we performed the entire sport (on protection), one thing we will take from that, however we wish championships right here in Phoenix,” Durant stated. . “Ethical victories do not matter. Classes do not matter. Getting higher would not matter. We simply need to win video games.
The Grizzlies (22-11) are having a bounce-back 12 months after profitable simply 27 video games final season. They’re second within the West, however could possibly be with out Ja Morant on Tuesday, who missed Sunday’s 130-106 loss at Oklahoma Metropolis due to a proper AC joint sprain suffered in opposition to New Orleans.
Morant underwent season-ending surgical procedure in January to restore a torn labrum in his proper shoulder.
Do you’ve gotten any ideas on the present state of the Suns? Contact Suns insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Observe him on X, previously Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This text was initially printed on Arizona Republic: Suns prospect Devin Booker, Grayson Allen return for Grizzlies sport
