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Unfortunately for the Phoenix Suns, guard Jalen Green’s comeback has been cut short once again. After returning from an early-season hamstring strain with a 29-point debut, Green is expected to miss the next four to six weeks after re-injuring his right hamstring in Saturday’s 114–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 23-year-old guard exited late in the first quarter, clutching the same hamstring that sidelined him for the Suns’ first eight games. Trainers helped him off the floor as he put little weight on his right leg—just seven minutes into his second start for Phoenix. A Painful Repeat of a Promising Return Green’s debut against the Clippers two days earlier had Suns fans buzzing. The former Houston Rockets guard shot 10-for-20 from the floor, drained six 3-pointers, and looked like the explosive scorer Phoenix envisioned when acquiring him in the Kevin Durant trade. But 48 hours later, his momentum ended abruptly. Green had two points before grimacing in pain after driving into the lane and immediately reaching for his hamstring. “As soon as you see JG go out, you just feel for him,” head coach Jordan Ott said. “He worked so hard to get back. Highs and lows of sports in 48 hours.” Teammate Royce O’Neale said Green was in good spirits after the game, while Collin Gillespie added, “It was tough to see after how hard he fought to get back.” Suns Stay Hot Without Green Even without Green, Phoenix rolled. The Suns built a double-digit lead and never trailed again, improving to 6–5 after a 1–4 start. The win marked their fifth in six games, showing improved chemistry between Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and the rest of the rotation. Booker, who has dealt with his own hamstring injuries, empathized with his backcourt mate. “It’s tough. I’ve definitely been through it,” Booker said. “We’re going to rally around him. His debut the other night was off the charts.” Phoenix carried that energy into its next game, a 121–98 blowout over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, extending its winning streak to two while Green began recovery. A Lingering Issue Green’s hamstring problems began in training camp, when he strained the muscle before the preseason opener against the Lakers. He then reaggravated it during the team’s trip to China for two preseason games against the Nets, forcing him to miss the Suns’ first eight regular-season contests. Despite that, his Nov. 6 debut performance briefly reignited optimism. “I was so excited, I couldn’t even sleep,” Green said afterward. “I told the guys I couldn’t even get my pregame nap in.” The setback is especially frustrating given Green’s durability—he played all 82 games in each of the past two seasons with Houston. “There’s some good in there,” Booker said. “We saw a glimpse of what we can be together, but the priority is making sure he’s fully ready next time.” If history is any indication, Green’s work ethic should speed up his recovery. But for now, Phoenix will have to stay patient—and hope the next comeback sticks.
