Phoenix Suns fans are holding their breath after Grayson Allen left Wednesday night's game against the Indiana Pacers with a right quad contusion. The injury occurred in the second quarter after a collision with Pacers' big man Jay Huff. Allen, who has been on a scoring tear recently, immediately went to the locker room and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Allen's Impact and the Injury
Allen has been a key contributor for the Suns this season, averaging a career-high 19 points and shooting nearly 45% from three-point range. Just days before the injury, he exploded for a career-high 42 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, hitting a franchise-record 10 three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor and hit clutch shots has made him an invaluable asset to the team.
The collision with Huff occurred as Allen was driving baseline and passed to Collin Gillespie. While trying to avoid Huff, Allen's knee collided with Huff’s, causing the injury. The Suns led 70-52 at halftime without Allen.
What's Next for Allen and the Suns?
The Suns have listed Allen as “questionable” for their next game. A quad contusion is essentially a bruise, and recovery typically involves rest, ice, and monitoring for swelling. While surgery is unlikely, the injury can be painful and affect a player's mobility and shooting ability. The team will likely provide daily updates on Allen's condition as he responds to treatment.
In Allen's absence, players like Collin Gillespie will likely see increased minutes. While the Suns have depth, replacing Allen's scoring and shooting prowess will be a challenge, especially in close games. Fans and the team alike are hoping for a speedy recovery for the in-form guard.
For now, Suns fans will have to wait and see how quickly Allen recovers and how the team adjusts in his absence. This injury serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of success in professional sports.