The Phoenix Suns’ frontcourt depth took a hit on Tuesday as the team announced that starting center Jusuf Nurkic will miss their game against the Utah Jazz due to left ankle soreness. The veteran big man had started all 10 of the Suns’ games so far this season, providing a steady presence in the paint.
Nurkic, who joined the Suns in the offseason, has been a key contributor early in the 2024-25 campaign. The 28-year-old is averaging 9.9 points and 10.2 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game, helping the Suns to a solid start in the competitive Western Conference.
Injury Concerns Mount for Phoenix
Nurkic’s absence comes at an inopportune time for the Suns, who are already dealing with the loss of superstar forward Kevin Durant. The two-time Finals MVP suffered a left calf strain on November 8 against the Dallas Mavericks and is expected to miss at least two weeks.
With Nurkic now sidelined as well, the Suns will have to rely on their depth to navigate a challenging stretch of games. Backup center Mason Plumlee, who signed with Phoenix in the summer, is expected to see an increased role in the short term.
Next Man Up Mentality
Despite the injuries, the Suns remain focused on maintaining their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. Head coach Frank Vogel emphasized the team’s “next man up” philosophy when addressing Nurkic’s status.
“It’s unfortunate to lose Jusuf, especially with Kevin already out, but we have confidence in Mason and the rest of our guys to step up and fill the void,” Vogel said in a statement. “This is a resilient group, and we’ll continue to battle every night.”
– Frank Vogel, Phoenix Suns Head Coach
The Suns will also lean on the playmaking abilities of All-Star guards Devin Booker and Chris Paul to generate offense and keep the team afloat during this challenging stretch.
Road Ahead for Phoenix
After Tuesday’s game in Utah, the Suns will return home for a Friday night contest against the Sacramento Kings before embarking on a four-game road trip. The upcoming schedule includes matchups with several playoff contenders, making it crucial for Phoenix to weather the storm without two of their key frontcourt players.
As the Suns navigate this early-season adversity, they will look to their depth, experience, and team-first approach to maintain their status as one of the Western Conference’s elite teams. The hope is that both Nurkic and Durant can make swift recoveries and rejoin the lineup sooner rather than later.
For now, the focus remains on the task at hand – finding ways to win games and stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference. The Suns have proven their resilience time and time again, and they will need to summon that spirit once more as they face the challenges that lie ahead.
