Kevin Durant is once again sidelined due to injury after suffering a left ankle sprain in the Phoenix Suns’ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. The two-time NBA champion had just returned from a previous injury and played only 16 minutes in the game, scoring 13 points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out two assists. Durant was injured when he landed on a Spurs player, and he left the game with five minutes remaining in the second quarter, not returning afterward. He will be re-evaluated in a week.
This injury comes after Durant missed two weeks earlier in the season with a calf strain, during which the Suns struggled, going 1-6 without him. At the time of the injury, Durant was averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 53.6% from the field and 44.9% from beyond the arc.
Durant’s absence is a significant blow to the Suns, who already missed out on advancing in the 2024 NBA Cup after being defeated by the OKC Thunder. While the Suns’ primary goal remains an NBA championship, Durant’s ongoing injury issues could hinder their chances to make a deep playoff run.
Devin Booker, Durant’s teammate, shared his frustration over the injury, calling it “tough” for the team, noting that Durant’s presence—both on and off the court—is irreplaceable. He also acknowledged the team’s efforts to stay competitive despite the setback. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer highlighted that injuries are part of the league and emphasized the need to keep fighting regardless of who is available.
