Beal debuts for Suns vs. Bulls, Booker reportedly nearing return

Bradley Beal made his Phoenix Suns debut Wednesday, helping the team beat the Chicago Bulls 116-115 in overtime.

In 24 minutes, Beal recorded 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. He played in the preseason but had yet to feature during the regular season due to a back injury.

Devin Booker is nearing a return as well, potentially as soon as Friday versus the Los Angeles Lakers for their In-Season Tournament matchup, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Suns star has missed five games this season due to an ankle injury, including the last two.

The Suns landed Beal in an offseason deal involving the Washington Wizards, trading veteran Chris Paul, guard Landry Shamet, and several second-round picks. In 11 seasons with the Wizards, Beal averaged 22.1 points, 4.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. In Washington, he was a three-time All-Star, and he was named to the All-NBA third team in 2021.

With the two guards out of the lineup, Kevin Durant has taken over as the Suns’ lead player offensively, averaging 29.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, four assists, and 1.3 blocks.

Phoenix ranked 12th in the Western Conference with a 3-4 record coming into the matchup against Chicago.

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