Phoenix Suns All-Star forward Kevin Durant is expected to be out at least three weeks with a left ankle injury, the team announced on Thursday, March 9.
The newest Suns star sustained the injury before Wednesday’s (March 8) game against the Thunder, as he attempted a layup in warmups and slipped putting up the shot. Durant was held out of what was supposed to be his home debut, which Phoenix would go on to win 132-101.
Here’s video of Kevin Durant slipping on the floor pregame.
He stayed down for a few seconds but then got up and finished his on-court work. pic.twitter.com/DwTrNc6LIr
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 9, 2023
Since being traded to the Suns on Feb. 9, the former league MVP Durant has only appeared in three games, all of which they won. Phoenix ends their regular season in about a month on April 9 and that may be without Durant, as his three-week timetable will cut things close for the championship contender. They currently sit fourth in the Western Conference at 37-29.
According to The Arizona Republic, there was concern within the Suns organization that Durant’s injury would keep him out of the start of the playoffs. Notably, Durant was still warming up after sustaining the injury, not seeming to have any discomfort putting up shots and driving to the hoop.
Averaging nearly 30 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 blocks a game this season, Durant has already missed 20 games this year with a right knee injury and has a history of health problems, never having played more than 55 games in a season since 2018-19 — the same year he tore his Achilles. He’s playing well in his three games with Phoenix, averaging 26.7 points and 7.3 rebounds.
So this was Kevin Durant AFTER his foul. I think he’ll be okay! pic.twitter.com/9vt545rBlk
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) March 9, 2023
Despite not having Durant, the Suns have looked much better over the past few weeks. Phoenix is 16-5 since Jan. 19 and star guard Devin Booker has averaged almost 30 points per game since he returned from his own injury on Feb. 7. He put up 44 in the team’s win on Wednesday.
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