Devin Booker’s return from injury couldn’t have come at a better time for the Phoenix Suns. However, the NBA isn’t happy with how it transpired.
Booker suffered a hamstring strain in Game 2 of the series. Initial timelines suggested the young star could end up missing the rest of the series. But the Pelicans proved to be a significant challenge for Phoenix without Booker, causing him to return sooner than expected.
The former Kentucky star returned for Game 6. He poured in 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in 32 minutes to help the Suns close the series with a 115-109 win.
The NBA, meanwhile, isn’t happy with the Suns for their lack of transparency regarding Booker’s injury. The Association has fined the Suns $25,000 for violating injury reporting rules.
The Phoenix Suns have been fined $25,000 for violating league injury reporting rules by failing to disclose Devin Booker’s status in an accurate and timely manner prior to Game 6.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 30, 2022
“The Phoenix Suns have been fined $25,000 for violating league injury reporting rules by failing to disclose Devin Booker’s status in an accurate and timely manner prior to Game 6,” Shams Charania tweeted.
We’re sure the Suns are really going to take this punishment to heart (kidding).
Phoenix has shifted its entire focus to its second-round series vs. the Dallas Mavericks. The Suns’ obvious priority will be slowing down Luka Doncic. Their defense should have some success swarming Doncic and forcing him to get rid of the ball.
Game 1 of the Mavs-Suns series is on Monday night.
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