Phoenix Suns Update: Booker's Return, Green's Struggles, and Williams' Offensive Challenges Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker has returned to full practice participation after missing the team’s previous four games due to a right hip strain. Coach Jordan Ott reported that Booker has continued to progress, engaging in live 5-on-5 drills during March 1 practice. The five-time All-Star, who averages 24.7 points and 6.1 assists per game, strained his hip in a Feb. 19 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Ott emphasized that Booker’s ability to participate in live action helps maintain team rhythm, even with extended breaks between games. The Suns, currently 34-26, have not played since a Feb. 26 win over the Los Angeles Lakers and will face the NBA-worst Sacramento Kings on March 3. Booker’s status for the upcoming game remains uncertain, though Ott noted his recent practice sessions show improvement. Jalen Green, meanwhile, continues to struggle with a shooting slump. The 24-year-old forward, playing in just 12 games this season due to a right hamstring injury, has shot 21-of-75 from the field in his last four contests, including a dismal 5-of-33 from beyond the arc. Coach Ott attributed Green’s struggles to conditioning issues, noting that the young player has never faced such challenges before. Despite his low efficiency, Green’s recent five-game streak after the All-Star break is a positive sign. Ott acknowledged Green’s need to regain rhythm but praised his effort to stay engaged. Mark Williams has also faced offensive challenges, scoring just 21 points in four games on 27 shot attempts. The 7-foot center, who averages 11.6 points on 63.5% shooting, has struggled with foul trouble, accumulating four fouls in a recent game.#phoenix_suns #devin_booker #jalen_green #mark_williams #jordan_ott
Phoenix Suns Players Navigate Injuries And Recovery Devin Booker, the Suns' star shooting guard, participated in 5-on-5 drills during Sunday’s practice, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The 29-year-old has missed the last four games due to a right hip strain. Head coach Jordan Ott emphasized Booker’s understanding of his own body, noting his “incredible recovery” and ability to gauge when he’s ready to return. Ott praised Booker’s progress, stating that the player “knows how he’s supposed to feel” when he’s healthy and ready to play. Backup guard Jordan Goodwin, meanwhile, is recovering from a left calf strain. Ott revealed Goodwin is gradually increasing his activity, having returned to the court recently. While Booker is further along in his recovery, Goodwin is beginning to progress toward full participation. Ott noted that Goodwin’s return will be evaluated within the next week. The Suns’ roster has also seen other players dealing with injuries. Starting center Mark Williams, a restricted free agent this summer, has struggled in recent games. Over his past six contests, Williams has averaged 6.3 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 39.5% from the field—well below his season averages of 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 63.5% shooting. Coach Ott highlighted Booker’s potential to elevate Williams’ performance, stating that Booker’s return will “make all of our lives better,” not just for Williams but for the entire team. Jalen Green, another Suns player, has faced a significant shooting slump in his last four games. Averaging 12.8 points over that span, Green has shot just 21-of-75 (28.0%) from the field. Ott attributed part of Green’s struggles to his conditioning, as the player missed most of the season after repeatedly straining his right hamstring.#phoenix_suns #devin_booker #jordan_goodwin #mark_williams #jordan_ott
Former World Snooker Champion Reveals Fear of Tea Bags During BBC Broadcast Mark Williams, a three-time snooker world champion, inadvertently exposed his fear of tea bags during a live BBC broadcast covering the Welsh Open. The revelation came as the network aired a segment on the quarterfinal clash between Neil Robertson and Barry Hawkins. Williams, who was present in the studio as a pundit, found himself the subject of a surprising disclosure when host Catrin Heledd announced that he had a phobia of tea bags. The incident unfolded mid-match, with Hawkins leading Robertson 3-1 at the halfway point. As the broadcast transitioned to the studio, Heledd remarked, “You learn a lot about people in a half hour frame of snooker,” a comment that quickly took on a new meaning. She directed the remark at Williams, who had previously declined to attend a private Snoop Dogg concert for the snooker event. Heledd revealed that Williams had a specific term for his fear: diclebgophobia. Williams reacted with disbelief, stating, “I can’t believe you said it live on air.” He added, “Now, I’m in trouble now,” before joking about the consequences of his diagnosis. Heledd responded by quipping, “You can’t tell me these things and not expect me to tell the nation.” The exchange sparked laughter among viewers, with Williams humorously declaring, “Great I can’t wait to get out of here now. I’m in trouble now.” The discussion briefly shifted to other phobias related to tea, including tepidophobia (fear of poorly brewed tea) and sakoulaphobia (fear of bags). However, the focus returned to the snooker match, where Robertson staged a remarkable comeback to tie the score at 3-3. Hawkins ultimately secured victory by winning the final two frames, advancing to the next round.#bbc #mark_williams #welsh_open #catrin_heledd #snoop_dogg
