Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker only played four minutes in a Christmas matchup with the Denver Nuggets before exiting with a left groin injury. He will not return.

It would be safe to say it’s the same groin injury that was tabbed as soreness for Booker that kept him out of the last three games. Booker was subbed out by head coach Monty Williams for Landry Shamet at the 7:40 mark of the first quarter and went back to the locker room. He was then ruled out before the end of the period.

The Suns have been playing their worst basketball of the season in December, losing seven of their last 10 games. Their previous two defeats were a blowout loss at home to the Memphis Grizzlies and a collapse in the last couple of minutes versus the Washington Wizards.

Booker this season is averaging a career-high 28.0 points per game. He scored 58 in his last full game, a win against the New Orleans Pelicans in which he played 42 minutes and the entire second half.

Phoenix’s offense has struggled without Booker, and his absence is hurt further by him joining Cam Payne (right foot strain) and Cam Johnson (meniscus tear) on the bench.

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