Suns Hit With Injury Blow as Two Starters Exit Mavericks Game
Suns Hit With Injury Blow as Two Starters Exit Mavericks Game
Zahid RashidThu, April 9, 2026 at 4:13 AM UTC
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The Phoenix Suns have been impressive all season and are headed to the playoffs, currently sitting seventh in the Western Conference. However, their matchup against the Dallas Mavericks may have come at a cost.
Concern surfaced early in the first quarter when star guard Jalen Green exited the game with what appeared to be a right leg injury, limping to the locker room. He recorded just one rebound in four minutes before exiting and did not return to start the second half, with the team listing him as questionable.
If that was not enough, the Suns also faced another injury scare involving Jordan Goodwin, who is enjoying a breakout season in Phoenix. Goodwin played 13 minutes before heading to the locker room with 4:53 remaining in the second quarter. He did not return for the second half and was later ruled out with a left ankle injury.
Ryan Dunn and Collin Gillespie stepped into the starting lineup in the second half in place of Green and Goodwin. While Phoenix’s depth gives them a chance to manage the game, their priority will be avoiding any serious injuries with just two regular-season games remaining after this one.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green attempts a dunk against Houston Rockets center Clint Capela in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Green arrived in Phoenix as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, and he has delivered solid production, averaging 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 43.2% from the field in 31 games. He has already dealt with hamstring and hip issues this season, though his current injury is being reported as a right knee concern.
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Goodwin, meanwhile, is dealing with a left ankle injury, though the severity remains unclear. He has appeared in a career-high 69 games this season, averaging 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 36.6% from three-point range.
Across his previous three seasons, Goodwin had made just 106 three-pointers. This year alone, he has already surpassed that mark with 112, earning the 2026 Majerle Hustle Award, which recognizes a player’s effort, grit, and impact within the rotation.
"It's hard to single out one person with how hard this group plays," Suns head Jordan Ott said. "But I think we knew from his past experience here, that's who he is, and not only what you see on the court, but just how he's able to connect the locker room, which is a gigantic piece to part of our successes. To his credit, not only does he do that, but he performs on the court, which is a really nice bonus to have a good player and a guy that can connect everyone.”
Goodwin, an undrafted free agent in 2021, has carved out a meaningful role during his second stint with the Suns after a brief run in the 2023–24 season. Phoenix will be hoping his ankle issue is minor and that both he and Green can return in time for the playoffs.
Related: Suns Set 3-Point Franchise Record vs. Mavericks
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Sports”
