Bradley Beal Sidelined with Hamstring Injury as Suns Fight for Playoff Spot
Bradley Beal will miss at least a week of action after injuring his left hamstring during Sunday’s loss to the Lakers. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed the news as Phoenix continues to struggle through a difficult season.
“We’ll evaluate him in one week,” Budenholzer told reporters. “He had an MRI today, and we’ll be hopeful that this next week goes well, and reevaluate him then.”
This is another setback for the veteran guard who has already missed 21 of Phoenix’s 69 games this season.
With Beal out, young Collin Gillespie stepped into the spotlight, making his first career start.
Despite missing their star, the Suns absolutely demolished the Raptors 129-89 on Monday night. Seven different Phoenix players scored in double figures in the blowout win.
Every single player on the roster – all 13 of them – got on the scoresheet against Toronto.
Devin Booker led the way with 27 points, showing he can still carry the team when needed.
The game wasn’t always a blowout. Phoenix actually trailed 29-24 after the first quarter before turning on the jets. They outscored the Raptors by an incredible 39-11 margin in the second quarter to build a commanding 23-point halftime lead.
The win moves the Suns to just one game behind the Mavericks for the final play-in tournament spot in the Western Conference. With only 13 games remaining in the regular season, every victory is crucial.
Despite Monday’s impressive performance, many NBA experts have already written off Phoenix’s playoff chances.
“What I’m seeing is the lack of passion,” said former NBA guard and current analyst Tim Legler on NBA Today. “I’ve called games, sat courtside, watched them on TV โ you can feel it. The energy just isn’t there.”
Legler didn’t hold back in his criticism, pointing out that other teams have overcome similar challenges.
“All those other teams have been affected by injuries. The Sixers, the Mavericks, the Pelicansโyou name it. But these guys are healthy, and they’re still playing like this,” he stated.
The Suns will need to build on Monday’s dominant performance if they hope to prove the doubters wrong and sneak into the postseason.
