The Phoenix Suns announced that All-NBA forward Kevin Durant would miss his team’s home opener due to left ankle pain after tripping during warmups.
On Wednesday in Phoenix, the Suns’ star player was dribbling close to the baseline when he advanced toward the basket, leapt, slipped, and fell to the ground. At Footprint Center, the Suns defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 132–101.
Only 12 minutes before he was ruled out, the Suns declared that Durant would start the game.
Durant, who was acquired by the Suns in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets in February, took part in the Suns’ past three away contests. On Sunday in Dallas, he scored 37 points as his team defeated the Dallas Mavericks 130-126.Monty Williams, the head coach of the Suns, told the media that Durant would have more tests on the ankle on Thursday and described the injury as a “sprain.”
Williams stated, “We simply have to watch how he responds to treatment. To make sure everyone is on the same page, “we will probably get some more imagining.”
The starting lineup will include Torrey Craig. https://t.co/nXcrkTLkxe — Phoenix Suns on March 9, 2023 (@Suns)
Durant has made 42 starts this season and is averaging 29.5 points per game. With the Suns, he scores 26.7 points on average.
Devin Booker, a guard with the Suns, scored 44 points on Wednesday. Off the bench for the Suns, Terrence Ross scored 24 points. Chris Paul, a guard for the Suns, contributed 18 points and nine assists.
