Former Suns star Charles Barkley wants more from Booker after Rockets loss

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PHOENIX – The numbers from last night don’t lie, as Phoenix didn’t just lose to Houston, they were outpaced, outshot, and outworked in a 114–92 setback that exposed familiar flaws. When the Suns struggle, the conversation inevitably circles back to Devin Booker. It did again, this time with a pointed nudge from someone who knows the Valley spotlight better than most, former Suns star Charles Barkley.

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Charles Barkley speaks on the Suns’ future and Devin Booker:

Charles Barkley didn’t mince words during his interview with Arizona Sports 98.7, as Barkley mentioned he needs to see more from Booker in terms of aggression and leadership, along with more shot-hunting when the offense stalls. It wasn’t a cheap shot; it was a basketball truth wrapped in veteran urgency. As Phoenix’s offensive engine, that shift rippled through every possession. When he’s passive, the Suns play smaller than their talent.

The emotional weight matters here, too. Booker has become the franchise’s cultural center, the player fans trust to drag the team through turbulence. When he fades, even briefly, it creates a psychological vacuum the Suns rarely fill. The loss to Houston is a reminder that Phoenix’s margin for error is thin. Barkley isn’t questioning Booker’s talent; he’s pushing the timeline. If the Suns want to contend, their star has to play like one every night, even the ugly ones.

Phoenix Suns show resiliency despite halftime deficit to Rockets

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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