Fans of the Suns will have to wait at least one more game to see their team’s newest star player in action.
When Kevin Durant finally makes his Phoenix Suns home debut, it will be a little while longer.
The 13-time All-Star hurt his left ankle when slipping during pregame warmups on Wednesday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and did not play.
With a walking boot as he departed Wednesday’s 132-101 win, Durant reportedly will miss numerous games, according Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Durant will get an MRI on Thursday to find out how serious his injury is and how long he could be away.
Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker remarked, “He’s in terrific spirits,” as reported by the Arizona Republic. To me, that’s the be-all and end-all of everything. Recovery has officially begun.
It was supposed to be Durant’s first game at home with his new squad. After being moved to the Suns, he has appeared in three games, all of which were away contests.
Monty Williams, coach of the Suns, promised further testing the next day. “At this time, we just have information that it’s an ankle sprain.”
After rolling his left ankle while jumping during warmups, video footage showed Durant driving to the hoop. He got right back up and went on with his pregame preparations, but the Suns eventually announced that Durant wouldn’t be playing.
Here’s video of Kevin Durant slipping on the floor pregame.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 9, 2023
He stayed down for a few seconds but then got up and finished his on-court work. pic.twitter.com/DwTrNc6LIr
He did not warm up with the team. Torrey Craig started in place of Durant, and the Suns cruised to a 132-101 victory and their fourth straight victory. Booker had 44 points.
In three games with the Suns, Durant averaged 26.7 points per game and 7.3 rebounds. He didn’t wait in the locker room for the postgame media availability and hence missed out.
‘I know how much he loves to play and wanted to play,’ said guard Chris Paul. But things happen, as the saying goes.
In a massive February transaction, the Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round selections, and draft compensation.
All three of the Suns’ wins have come with Durant on the court, and the team has looked like a powerhouse in his three appearances. However, the fall served as a reminder that the 34-year-injury old’s history over the last four years has resulted in significant time lost.
Due to an Achilles injury, Durant will miss the whole 2019–20 NBA season. He’s had to sit out time so far this year because of a damaged knee ligament. And now, he has hurt his ankle.
“He’s out there, working his tail off, getting ready for the game, and he twists his ankle,” Williams said. You must not allow yourself to become agitated over that. You get what I’m saying; that’s just how life is. I sympathized with him since I know how he feels.” Explore here at toponlinesportsbetting.ph to learn the latest NBA news and updates for your favorite teams and players.