The wait is finally over. On Wednesday night, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant all took the court for the first time in team history— what’s that? Oh.
The Suns’ Big Three will have to wait till another day to make their debut. Bradley Beal, who has missed seven games due to lower back discomfort this season, will not be in the starting lineup or ready to play. It’s a late scratch, with less than an hour till kickoff.
Disappointing? Sure. Is this the right decision? Abso-freaking-lutley. “Like a sprained ankle, boy,” Drake famously joked, “I ain’t nothing to play with.” He should have mentioned “a tweaked back”. Yes, a syllable count would not have made for a catchy rap verse, but it is accurate. The back is a sensitive place that influences every movement, so a player like Beal who contorts in the air should be cautious.
So, without Beal, Kevin Durant will play the Minnesota Timberwolves, though he will be assisted by Devin Booker.
Booker returns tonight after missing the previous five games due to lower left leg concerns. Their opponent is a scorching 8-2 team. Will Durant and Booker suffice? We’ll find out in a few moments.