
via Imago
Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

via Imago
Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Indiana Pacers at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When it feels like the Phoenix Suns big three are finally together, something or someone falls apart. The Suns (14-13) kick off a doubleheader against the Denver Nuggets (15-11) on Monday night in Denver. The rematch is set for Christmas evening in Phoenix at 8:30 p.m., wrapping up the NBA’s five-game holiday lineup. With Nikola Jokic leading the charge for the Nuggets, the Suns will lean on Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to keep things competitive.
Why? Because Devin Booker is still recovering from the groin injury. It’s not his fault because he had to turn on his afterburners. After all, Durant was out for 10 games, and Beal hasn’t fared any better with the same number of absences. Booker? He’s been the rock, he has only missed 2 games, including the first one against the Nuggets today. Booker left last Thursday’s game against the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter due to what was reported as a groin strain.
And Phoenix boss Mike Budenholzer has provided us with the latest developments, emphasizing a cautious, day-by-day approach to his recovery. “Yeah, the reports back are positive. You know, I think we just got to take it day by day,” he explained.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While he remained optimistic about Booker’s progress, Budenholzer admitted there wasn’t much new information to share, adding, “There’s nothing really new to update, but, uh, you know, he’s making good progress.” When asked whether the team expects both players to return by Christmas, Budenholzer remained tight-lipped, responding simply, “I have no update.”
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Is Devin Booker's December injury curse a sign of bad luck or poor management by the Suns?
Just bad luck
Poor management
Both equally
Neither, just coincidence
Do you think Anthony Davis's trade to the Mavericks will impact his legacy with the Lakers?
Yes, it tarnishes his legacy
No, his contributions are unforgettable
Maybe, it depends on his performance in Dallas
I don't care about legacies, just the game

We Want to Know
You Better!
Participate in our 5 min
survey & Win $50 gift card
How do you feel about the rumors of a rift between LeBron James and Anthony Davis?
It's just media hype
There might be some truth to it
Their bond is unbreakable
I don't care as long as they play well
Do you think Kiyan Anthony will surpass his father Carmelo's legacy in basketball?
Yes, he's on the right path
No, Melo's legacy is too strong
Maybe, but it's too early to tell
I don't care as long as he plays well
How do you feel about young athletes like Kiyan Anthony securing major NIL deals?
It's great, they deserve it
It's too much pressure too soon
It depends on how they handle it
I think it distracts from their game
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
AD
“The reports back are positive. I think we just take it day-by-day.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on Devin Booker. In Phoenix with left groin soreness.
Said he’s making good progress. Grayson Allen concussion protocol.
On having both back for Wednesday: “I have no idea.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/G4KdFmKwUL
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 24, 2024
Booker and Christmas’s injuries seem to have an unfortunate history. Remember back in 2022? He missed three games with a groin strain, came back on Christmas Day against the Nuggets, and then, bam! re-injured it. That setback benched him for the next 21 games. Talk about a rough holiday gift!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
December seems unlucky for Devin Booker
December has been a rough month for Devin Booker over the years, with injuries piling up like an unwelcome holiday tradition. His most recent setback came in 2023 when he sprained his ankle during a game against Toronto. That injury forced him to miss one game before returning to face Memphis, but it set an all-too-familiar tone for his December struggles.
2022 wasn’t any kinder. Booker’s hamstring flared up during a game against New Orleans, forcing him to sit out two games. He returned with an unforgettable 58-point performance, pushing through a groin issue that would soon haunt him. Attempting to play on Christmas, he re-injured himself within five minutes, sidelining him for 21 games. If you’re a Suns fan, you probably remember holding your breath every time he touched the court that month.

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) is tended to after being injured against the LA Clippers during the second half of game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Booker’s bad luck with December doesn’t stop there. Back in 2021, a hamstring injury benched him for seven games. In 2019, a forearm contusion kept him out for three games. And in 2018, a hamstring issue resurfaced before a back injury capped off the month, creating a perfect storm of setbacks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For some reason, this time of year seems cursed for Booker. Every season, fans hope he’ll get through December unscathed, only to see history repeat itself. It’s tough to watch one of the league’s brightest stars fight against so many unlucky moments during a season meant for shining on the court, not sitting on the bench.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Is Devin Booker cursed in December, or is it just bad luck striking again?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
Is Devin Booker cursed in December, or is it just bad luck striking again?
Have an interesting take?