Suns’ Warren exits game vs. Timberwolves due to sore right ankle

Jan 22, 2019, 8:55 PM | Updated: 9:31 pm

Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half during an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Phoenix. The Clippers defeated the Suns 121-111. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

BY KELLAN OLSON

Suns reporter, ArizonaSports.com editor

Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren exited Tuesday’s contest with the Minnesota Timberwolves and would not return due to a sore right ankle.

The fifth-year forward played in the first quarter before he was taken out in the second quarter by head coach Igor Kokoskov. Kokoskov said after the game that Warren’s right foot soreness is “chronic” and he was discussing the soreness with Warren throughout the game.

Warren, 25, is averaging 18.3 points per game this season.

Moving into the starting lineup at power forward for Ryan Anderson seven games into the season, Warren has had a career year as a shooter. He’s shooting 42.8 percent from three-point range on 4.3 attempts per game after hitting only 22.2 percent of his shots from deep last season.

The Suns were already shorthanded on Tuesday night, playing without centers Deandre Ayton and Richaun Holmes. Both players also missed the team’s game in Minnesota on Sunday when Suns big man Dragan Bender started in their place.

Warren has played in 43 of the Suns’ 47 games this season. After not getting much game time in his rookie season, Warren had to battle through injuries for the next three seasons. His career-high for games played in a season is 66 from the 2016-17 season.

Follow @KellanOlson

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) leaves the game after being ejected during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) leaves the game after being ejected during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) drives against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91.(AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Josh Jackson (20) shoots between Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Taj Gibson during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) shoots against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91.(AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) takes the ball away from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives as Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie (20) takes the ball away from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. The Timberwolves won 118-91. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jerryd Bayless, left, and Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren chase down a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots over Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie (20) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns forward Dragan Bender (35) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie scores against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose (25) tries to slip past Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. bobbles a rebound as Minnesota Timberwolves forward Dario Saric (36) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

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