Suns’ Kevin Durant will miss 3 weeks after pregame slip results in ankle damage

Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns didn’t obtain information they wished Thursday.

The All-Star ahead is predicted to overlook extra time after a pregame slip throughout warmups Wednesday night time led to an ankle damage. 

“Further analysis has confirmed that Phoenix Suns ahead Kevin Durant has sustained a left ankle sprain. He shall be reevaluated in three weeks,” the crew introduced Thursday. 

Durant was set to make his house debut for the Suns after the crew acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets earlier than the NBA commerce deadline. During his common warmup routine, Durant went for a dunk try and slipped on his manner up, and video captured him rolling his ankle within the course of. 

Phoenix Suns ahead Kevin Durant warms up earlier than a sport towards the Dallas Mavericks March 5, 2023, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

While he remained on the ground just a few seconds, Durant acquired again up and completed his routine earlier than returning to the locker room. One report additionally famous that he tightened his shoelaces earlier than resuming the warmup. 

However, Durant ended up being a late scratch for the Suns earlier than their sport towards the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, he may miss the rest of the common season. 

KEVIN DURANT SCRATCHED FROM SUNS’ HOME DEBUT AFTER SLIPPING IN PREGAME WARMUPS

“I really feel dangerous for him as a result of he feels dangerous,” Suns coach Monty Williams mentioned, in accordance with ESPN. “I noticed his face and — I’ve been round him so many occasions — I do know what he is feeling, and I do not need him feeling that manner in any respect.”

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns throughout the sport March 5, 2023, at American Airlines Center in Dallas. (Glenn James/NBAE through Getty Images)

The Suns’ common season finale is April 9 towards the Los Angeles Clippers. As the No. 4 seed within the Western Conference in the meanwhile, the Suns are anticipated to make the playoffs. 

Durant’s tenure in Phoenix up to now has been lower than very best. He didn’t instantly get on the courtroom along with his new teammates as a result of he was nonetheless recovering from an MCL sprain he suffered in January with the Nets. 

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In the three video games he performed with the Suns, Durant regarded like his regular, extremely productive self. His newest efficiency was his finest with 37 factors towards the Dallas Mavericks. 

The Suns have received all three video games with Durant of their lineup.

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns towards the Chicago Bulls at United Center March 3, 2023, in Chicago. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Phoenix nonetheless boasts Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, who could make up for the lack of Durant on the offensive finish. However, the Suns need to hope this isn’t something long-term after Durant’s arrival created an imposing beginning 5 to play towards.