Phoenix Suns lose veteran Dario Saric to a torn ACL
The Phoenix Suns grabbed an impressive Game 1 win in the NBA Finals over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, it came at a cost as veteran big man Dario Saric suffered a torn ACL. The injury effectively sidelines him for the rest of the series, and likely potentially all next season.
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Head coach Monty Williams touched upon the situation, voicing his disappointment for Saric missing out on the biggest moment of his NBA career.
“It’s just one of those situations that literally breaks your heart,” Suns coach Monty Williams said via ESPN. “Dario is a guy that I’ve been with twice. I coached him in Philly, and to get a chance to be with him here, he’s what Suns basketball is about. Hard worker, unbelievable guy and he was so looking forward to playing in these Finals.
“And to play a few minutes and have that kind of injury, it was a tough thing to hear this morning.”
Saric suffered the injury late in the first quarter after driving to the basket against Bucks center Brook Lopez. The veteran center immediately went down in pain after his knee buckled after landing awkwardly.
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His absence leaves the Suns without a dependable big man option behind rising star center Deandre Ayton. Before Saric’s injury, the team was already thin at the position without any true rim protector or paint presence.
Phoenix will have to move forward with an emphasis on a small-ball lineup with the second unit. Saric brought a strong rebounding presence with the ability to stretch the floor to the 3-point line.
