AUSTIN – Devin Booker’s exit from last night’s matchup due to hip soreness brought out nervous yet realistic reactions from both Head Coach Jordan Ott and Phoenix star Jalen Green.
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Feb 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Suns guard Booker (1) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the first half at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns players and coaches react to Devin Booker’s injury:
“I just want to see the guys play together. That’s it. That’s it and I probably didn’t handle it right in game when we get the news.”
A frustrated Jordan Ott after Suns 121-94 loss to Spurs as Devin Booker missed 2nd half with right hip soreness.
“I thought we battled back… pic.twitter.com/lWxTc3RB3Q
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 20, 2026
When the Phoenix Suns fell 121–94 to the San Antonio Spurs, the box score told one story, and the sideline told another after Devin Booker’s hip soreness forced him to exit Thursday night’s matchup. Suns Head Coach Jordan Ott offered a revealing window into the franchise’s mindset. “Tried to go back out there. Save himself from himself,” Ott said. “Wasn’t moving great when he came back in.”, per Duane Rankin of AZCentral.
Feb 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Suns head coach Ott signals to players during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Phoenix without Booker isn’t just short on points; it reshapes their whole identity. That impact is both tactical and emotional as Booker bends defenses, stabilizes late-game possessions, and sets the tone. When he isn’t healthy, it puts Phoenix at a massive disadvantage, especially on offense.
“It’s been tough. He started the year off playing every game and I was out the whole time. It’s only one game. He can take his time. By the time he gets back, I’ll have my rhythm. He’s already going to have his rhythm. DB (Dillon Brooks) coming back.”
Jalen Green on Devin… pic.twitter.com/eKM1pA9gos
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 20, 2026
Feb 19, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the second half at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Newly acquired guard Jalen Green framed it through a teammate’s lens: “It’s only one game. He can take his time.”, per Duane Rankin of AZCentral. That’s not passive optimism, it’s strategic patience. Green missed early-season time himself and understands rhythm is earned, not forced. Zoom out, and the decision signals organizational maturity. The Western Conference margins are thin, but seeding is meaningless if your star limps into April. Fans in Phoenix want urgency, but they want a healthy Booker more. Leadership sometimes means protecting competitors from themselves. One regular-season loss stings; losing the face of the franchise for an extended period of time hurts a lot more.
Devin Booker exits with injury as Phoenix Suns get blown out by Spurs
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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
