Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant sustained a left ankle sprain during Sunday`s game against the Houston Rockets, which the Suns lost 148-109. The injury occurred in the third quarter. According to Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, Durant will undergo an MRI on Monday. He will not accompany the team at the start of their upcoming three-game road trip against the Bucks, Celtics, and Knicks.
The timeline for Durant`s return is currently unclear due to the recent nature of the injury. Typically, ankle sprains require at least a week of recovery. This injury is particularly unfortunate timing for Durant and the Suns. The team is currently not in a Play-In Tournament spot, sitting two games behind the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings in the loss column.
Durant`s injury happened with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter. He stepped on Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr.`s foot while driving to the basket. Durant immediately collapsed and was helped to the locker room, not returning to the game. At the time of the injury, Phoenix trailed by 35 points.
Kevin Durant, a highly acclaimed scorer, had been in excellent form recently. In the four games leading up to Sunday`s game, he averaged 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while shooting 61% from 3-point range.
The Suns` season has not unfolded as expected. Despite adding players like Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and Nick Richards to strengthen key positions and the emergence of rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, the team has struggled. Phoenix entered the season with aspirations of championship contention, led by Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
However, their current record stands at 35-40 with seven games remaining in the regular season. They are currently 11th in the Western Conference standings. If Durant`s absence is prolonged, it could significantly jeopardize Phoenix`s season, especially with upcoming games against the Warriors, Thunder, and Kings after their East Coast road trip.
Amidst ongoing trade rumors this season, Durant`s injury could potentially signal the end of his tenure with the Suns.
Jasper Hawthorne