The Phoenix Suns’ struggles continue as the team’s injuries mount, further stalling their early-season momentum. With a tough 1-4 record since Kevin Durant went down, the Suns have been left to grapple with not only Durant’s absence but also a concerning injury to Jusuf Nurkic. Once a reliable force in rebounding, rim protection, and playmaking, Nurkic’s decline this season has been alarming. And now, it’s not just his performance—his ability to stay on the court is under serious question.
Jusuf Nurkic Injures Both Ankles in Return Game
After the Suns’ recent loss to the New York Knicks, the focus shifted away from the game itself and onto Jusuf Nurkic’s injury woes. The 7-foot center shared an update with Duane Rankin, the beat writer for the Suns at The Arizona Republic, revealing that he had injured both of his ankles. Nurkic initially went down with a left ankle sprain, but he revealed something more troubling: he doesn’t even recall how he injured his right ankle.
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“It’s both ankles. It’s like you twist it a little bit here and there. Just keep playing and the other feels worse,” Nurkic explained. He also discussed the tough back-to-back schedule, which may have worsened his condition. “I’m just trying to be out there for my teammates if I can. So try to be smart at the same time,” he added. Despite playing through pain, Nurkic remains committed to his team and focused on managing the situation as best he can.
How Has Jusuf Nurkic Been Performing This Season?
Nurkic’s performance this season has been a mixed bag. While he’s still contributing in key areas like rebounding, his shooting efficiency has sharply declined. Through his first 13 games of the 2024-25 season, Nurkic is averaging 8.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 23.7 minutes per game. However, his shooting has been a major cause for concern. He’s making just 38.5% of his field goals and a dismal 26.3% from beyond the arc, taking 2.9 three-point attempts per game.
Last season, Nurkic’s numbers were far more solid, averaging 10.9 points and 11 rebounds per game, with a much higher shooting percentage of 51%. This drastic dip in field goal efficiency is one of the many reasons his performance has fallen under scrutiny.
“It’s both ankles. It’s like you twist it a little bit here and there. Just keep playing and the other feels worse.”
Jusuf Nurkic after Suns loss to Knicks.
On NYK hot start: “Knicks we watched didn’t shoot the ball like that. (Mikal) Bridges and all the memes and shit.” #Suns https://t.co/IFCAPkUKtF pic.twitter.com/742UBQBuqC
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 21, 2024
Advanced Metrics Raise Concerns About Nurkic’s Impact
Looking beyond traditional stats, Jusuf Nurkic’s advanced metrics have been equally disappointing. His net rating of -2.5 and box score plus-minus of -6.4 are among the worst in the league for players logging over 300 minutes. These numbers suggest that Nurkic’s on-court impact has taken a noticeable dip, raising doubts about his ability to contribute at a high level for the Suns this season.
In contrast, during the 2023-24 season, Nurkic’s advanced stats painted a more positive picture. His efficiency and overall impact were key to the Portland Trail Blazers’ frontcourt. But this year, with the Suns, the numbers simply haven’t been there.
How Are the Suns Handling Nurkic’s Injury?
The Suns have been dealt a tough hand with Nurkic’s injuries. In the game against the Knicks, despite battling through the ankle sprains, he managed to post a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists in 33 minutes of play. This marked his fifth double-double of the season, signaling that he’s still capable of productive outings when healthy. However, his struggles in the four previous games, where he made just 3 of 23 shots and scored only 12 points, highlight the challenges he faces.
For a team like Phoenix, which aims to contend for an NBA championship, Nurkic’s struggles are concerning. The Suns need consistent, reliable play from all their key players to remain competitive. As his injury status and performance continue to fluctuate, it remains to be seen how much Nurkic can help the team in the coming weeks.
Will Jusuf Nurkic Be Able to Bounce Back?
The Suns’ path to success hinges on a variety of factors, and Jusuf Nurkic’s ability to recover and regain his form is critical. While his stats from the early part of the season are concerning, there is still time for improvement. Nurkic will need to stay healthy and work through his injuries if Phoenix hopes to compete at a high level this season.
Given his experience and past performances, there’s still hope that Nurkic can turn things around. However, his recent struggles and injury concerns could dictate how much the Suns can rely on him moving forward.
Jusuf Nurkic Stats: 2024 Season Overview
To understand just how much Nurkic’s game has declined, let’s take a deeper dive into his statistical performance this season. Through 13 games, here’s a breakdown of his numbers:
- Points per game: 8.5
- Rebounds per game: 9.8
- Assists per game: 1.1
- Blocks per game: 0.5
- Field Goal Percentage: 38.5%
- Three-Point Percentage: 26.3%
- Minutes per game: 23.7
These numbers illustrate the dip in his offensive efficiency, particularly in scoring and shooting from distance. While his rebounding remains solid, the Suns need more from him offensively and defensively if they are to recover from their recent slide.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Jusuf Nurkic’s Injuries and Performance
Q: How long is Jusuf Nurkic expected to be out due to his ankle injuries?
A: There has been no official timeline yet for Nurkic’s recovery. He’s currently playing through both ankle injuries, but his situation could change depending on his recovery and the Suns’ medical assessments.
Q: Has Jusuf Nurkic been performing poorly this season?
A: Yes, Nurkic’s performance has significantly declined this season. His shooting efficiency, field goal percentage, and overall impact on the court have dropped compared to last season.
Q: How is Nurkic contributing despite his injuries?
A: Despite his injuries, Nurkic is still contributing in key areas like rebounding and playmaking. In his most recent game, he posted a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, showing that he can still be productive when healthy.
Q: What does Jusuf Nurkic’s injury mean for the Suns?
A: The Suns will need Nurkic to recover and regain his form if they hope to compete for a championship. His struggles, combined with Kevin Durant’s absence, have made it difficult for the Suns to maintain their earlier success this season.
