Suns' Booker Out vs. Pistons with Ankle Sprain

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker will miss Thursday night's game against the Detroit Pistons in Detroit after aggravating a left ankle sprain sustained two days earlier in a loss to the Miami Heat.

The Suns ruled out the four-time All-Star ahead of the matchup, citing swelling in the ankle. Booker injured himself late in the third quarter of Tuesday's 127-121 defeat in Miami, when he landed awkwardly while attempting a transition block near the baseline. He briefly exited but returned for the final nine minutes of the fourth quarter, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. This season, Booker has averaged 25.2 points and 6.5 assists per game, serving as a cornerstone for the 24-16 Suns.

Suns coach Jordan Ott praised Booker's resilience after the Heat game. "Dudes a warrior, right?" Ott said. "Obviously ankle roll, put him back in the fourth because we knew it was going to stiffen up. As soon as he was ready, we could put him in. You could tell after some of his shots when he landed he wasnt feeling great. Just his toughness. Thats what this team is about. We follow our leader. Hes our leader."

Ott expressed optimism that Booker could return for Phoenix's next...