The Phoenix Suns lost their preseason opener in Denver last night to the Nuggets, 127-110.
Unfortunately, they also experienced a big blow to their frontcourt, as center Marcin Gortat came away with a hairline fracture in his right thumb.
The fifth-year pro tweeted following the game that he suffered the broken thumb.
Great start!!! Lost game and broken thumb!!! Awesome…last thing I need right now!!!!
Yet, despite the injury, it’s highly unlikely that the tough 6-foot-11, 240-pound middle man would surrender his starting spot to Robin Lopez.
“Hell, no,” Gortat said. “I’ve still got my left (thumb). I’m not going to give up my spot.”
Gortat has been pushed during training camp by Robin Lopez, who had 10 points and five rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench against Denver.
Nonetheless, the native of Poland, who was actually drafted in the second round of the ’05 draft by Phoenix, notched a team-high 14 points.
Hakim Warrick also registered 14 points in the loss to the Nuggets.
More: Further examination will be done Wednesday to re-evaluate Gortat’s thumb.
Regular Season Opener: The Suns host the New Orleans Hornets on December 26 at U.S. Airways Center.
December 29th, 2011 
Russ Loede 
Posted in 
UPDATE: Redd has signed a one-year deal, worth $1.3 million with the Suns.
