PHOENIX SUNS

Jusuf Nurkic won’t return for Suns vs. Spurs due to ankle sprain

Mar 25, 2024, 6:47 PM | Updated: 7:30 pm

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost...

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 25, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic left the game early in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday with a right ankle sprain and was ruled out shortly after.

Nurkic stepped on Jeremy Sochan’s foot while Sochan put the brakes on in front of Nurkic during a fast break.

In his first season with the Suns, Nurkic is averaging 11.4 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, one steal and one block per game. He exited this game with six points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks in just 19 minutes.

Phoenix is 0-4 without him in the lineup, and three of the losses have come by double-digits.

The Suns have 10 games remaining following the Spurs matchup with the Western Conference standings far from set in stone.

Nos. 6-8 in the West are separated by a half-game with No. 6 being the coveted spot out of the play-in tournament. Phoenix entered the day holding the sixth spot with the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks close behind.

Phoenix Suns

Anthony Edwards...

Kevin Zimmerman

Anthony Edwards, T-Wolves have flipped every script on the Suns

Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert have stepped up to every change in attack coming from the Phoenix Suns.

33 minutes ago

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports)...

Kellan Olson

Slow burn of Suns’ splintering nears end, T-Wolves take 3-0 lead

It's the same old story for the Phoenix Suns and their season is coming to an end shortly after another loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

59 minutes ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts on the bench during the second half of game three of the...

Dan Bickley

Suns’ shortcomings are a cautionary tale of modern super teams

The Suns' loss to the Timberwolves on Friday was yet another tribute to one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

2 hours ago

Wolves guard Nickeil Walker-Alexander after a made 3 in Game 3 against the Suns...

Arizona Sports

Suns tank another quarter to go down 0-3 vs. Timberwolves

The Phoenix Suns lost the third quarter of Game 3, 36-20, as the Minnesota Timberwolves have them on the brink of elimination.

2 hours ago

Bol Bol came off the bench and provided a highlight dunk in Game 3 of Suns-T-Wolves. (Jeremy Schnel...

Damon Allred

Suns’ Bol Bol takes advantage of playoff minutes with transition dunk vs. Wolves

Phoenix Suns big man Bol Bol threw down a highlight dunk in the second quarter of Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

4 hours ago

Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the second half in game one of the We...

Kellan Olson

Suns’ Grayson Allen out for Game 3 after re-injuring ankle vs. T-Wolves

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen is questionable for Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday after re-injuring his ankle.

6 hours ago

Jusuf Nurkic won’t return for Suns vs. Spurs due to ankle sprain