Seven minutes into the February 21 game against the Orlando Magic, Brooks exited for evaluation and did not return. An official diagnosis later confirmed a broken hand, with no timetable yet for his return.
The injury compounds Suns concerns as they were already managing injuries to Devin Booker, who left a previous game with hip soreness and is expected to miss at least a week. Booker’s absence, combined with Brooks’s setback, leaves Phoenix shorthanded as they pursue a competitive standing in a crowded Western Conference.
In the interim, the Suns edged the Magic 113-110, improving to 33-24 on the season. Brooks contributed seven points and three rebounds on seven field-goal attempts before leaving the game, underscoring his role as a key scorer for the team.
Fans reacted with disappointment and concern, highlighting the impact Brooks has had on Phoenix’s success this season. Social media responses ranged from frustration about ongoing injuries to cautious optimism about the team’s ability to navigate the short-term setback.
Phoenix, already reshaping its lineup in the wake of offseason moves, now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum while managing multiple injuries. With March approaching, the Suns must adapt quickly to preserve their playoff aspirations and depth in the rotation.
