Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant left Sunday’s 148-109 loss to the Houston Rockets after suffering a left ankle sprain during the third quarter. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed that Durant will undergo an MRI on Monday and will not join the team for its upcoming three-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks.
The Suns are two games behind the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings in the Western Conference, making this injury even more critical for the team’s playoff hopes. As of now, there is no clear timetable for Durant’s return, but it’s rare for players to return in less than a week from an ankle sprain.
Durant’s Injury Details
The injury occurred with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter when Durant stepped on the foot of Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. while driving to the basket. Durant immediately collapsed and was helped to the locker room. At the time of the injury, Phoenix was trailing by 35 points, with the game already out of reach.
Durant’s Recent Performance
Before the injury, Durant had been on fire, averaging 33 points, five rebounds, and four assists over the last four games. He was also shooting a scorching 61% from beyond the arc during that stretch. Durant has been a consistent offensive weapon for Phoenix, and his injury is a significant blow to the team’s playoff hopes.
Suns’ Struggles and What’s at Stake
This season has not gone as expected for Durant and the Suns. Phoenix added Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and Nick Richards to help fill gaps at the point guard and center positions. Meanwhile, rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro earned valuable rotation minutes. Despite these moves, the Suns, with stars like Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, were expected to be championship contenders.
However, the Suns are now sitting at 35-40 with just seven games remaining in the regular season, in 11th place in the Western Conference. If Durant misses extended time, their playoff chances could be in jeopardy, especially with teams like the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Sacramento Kings in close pursuit.
Trade Rumors and Durant’s Future with the Suns
With the trade rumors surrounding the Suns this season, Durant’s injury could mark a turning point in his tenure with the team. Phoenix was hoping to contend for a title, but with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the future of their star player could soon be up for discussion.
