Now we know why Devin Booker was replaced in the upcoming All-Star Game. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Booker out of All-Star Game due to knee sprain

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Charles Kruger | Last updated 3/6/21

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has had a busy week.

First he was completely omitted from the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, prompting an outcry from the league’s biggest star. Then, when Anthony Davis was ruled too injured to compete, he ended up getting his slot.

A few days later, Booker was embroiled in a messy situation that led to him getting ejected from a game against the L.A. Lakers in controversial fashion.

Then on Friday, it came out that he had to forego his place in the looming All-Star Game. It ended up going to 14-year NBA vet Mike Conley Jr. of the Utah Jazz, which deeply angered San Antonio Spurs star DeMar DeRozan.

Booker’s sudden exit from the All-Star game prompted a lot of theories as to what led up to it. It didn’t take long for the real answer to emerge.

This is the play Devin Booker sprained his knee last night. First quarter Kent Bazemore drive. Knee-to-knee. Booker spent the rest of the game limping lightly. Wondered at the time if it’d hold him out of All-Star game. Leads to tonight’s Mike Conley replacement bid. pic.twitter.com/uakTH3f2ok

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 6, 2021

Booker is averaging nearly 25 points per game this year on the second-best team in the Western Conference. He was obviously very deserving of an All-Star nod this season, but circumstances simply didn’t allow it.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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