Bradley Beal Struck in Face, Leaves Suns-Pacers
*UPDATE: Beal has returned to Phoenix's bench in uniform and is now checked back in*
PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has been a massive piece to the puzzle in their recent seven-game winning streak, though the team looks to now be without him after he was struck in the face.
With 8:09 left in the third quarter and Phoenix up 94-87, Beal set himself for an attempted charge call before Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner gathered his step with Beal beneath him and struck him in the face with his elbow - which appeared accidental.
Turner was called for the foul - which was reviewed and only ruled a common rather than a technical foul - and Beal stayed on the floor, grabbing his face.
Suns center Jusuf Nurkic quickly waved Suns trainers over while Beal stayed down for a few more minutes before eventually getting up and walking to the locker room. He was helped by Suns medical staffers while his face was covered.
Beal has missed previous time this season due to various injuries - mostly a back issue - and only emerged fully healthy weeks ago. Phoenix saw other stars such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker also miss time to begin the 2023-24 campaign, too.
“It is exciting. I am mostly excited for him, to get through the game, be healthy and be ready to get ready for the game Sunday," Booker said on Beal's return.
"I know that it has been tough on him not being able to play, just rehab after rehab. I saw a lot of smiles on his face today, his mood was better. I have been in that seat before."
Beal entered tonight averaging 18 points per night with 4.2 rebounds and assists, respectively. He exited tonight's action with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.
