Kevin Durant missed what was supposed to be his first home game with the Suns after turning his left ankle during warmups Wednesday night, writes Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Durant was taking part in an individual drill with coaches when he slipped on the floor as he started to shoot (video link from Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic). He landed on the court, but was able to get up and finish his workout, Windhorst adds.
Shortly afterward, the Suns announced that he would miss the game due to ankle soreness. Durant, who returned seven days ago after missing six weeks with an MCL sprain, reported some swelling in the ankle after the incident. He was in a walking boot after the game, Rankin tweets.
“We’ll get more testing done tomorrow,” coach Monty Williams said, “but right now it’s just an ankle sprain and we don’t have anything official to report.” (Twitter link from Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports)
Durant has played just three games for Phoenix since being acquired from the Nets in a blockbuster trade last month. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists while shooting 69% from the field and 53.8% from three-point range.
There’s more injury news to pass along:
- Mavericks star Luka Doncic plans to get an MRI on Thursday after leaving tonight’s game with a left thigh strain, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN. Doncic was favoring his left leg as he walked into a post-game media session and replied “not good” when reporters asked how he felt, Lopez adds. Doncic said he has been dealing with pain in the thigh for about a week, according to Callie Caplan of The Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). “I think we all can see he’s not moving well, so shooting, defensive, it’s affecting everything,” coach Jason Kidd said. “He’s trying to fight through it and help his teammates, but he had to leave.”
- In the same game, the Pelicans lost Brandon Ingram to a right ankle sprain late in the first half, tweets Christian Clark of NOLA. Ingram later returned to the team’s bench in street clothes. He missed two months of the season with a toe injury before returning in late January.
- Kings guard De’Aaron Fox sat out Monday’s game with a sore left hamstring, but he expects to be ready for Thursday, tweets Sean Cunningham of KTXL. Fox is also experiencing wrist pain, but he plans to play through it.
- Monte Morris played tonight after missing the Wizards‘ last six games with lower back soreness, per Ava Wallace of The Washington Post (Twitter link).
This may not seem like much, but with KD out for “slipping” (I didn’t realize they had ice in Arizona…) it’s a huge blow to the team.
Now Monty has to work twice as hard to motivate them. Chris Paul has to go back to a normal workload. All with the question — the slim reaper slipped? Something doesn’t add up.
Could be he misses the east coast. Could be the stifling desert air. But this slipping is suspicious and potentially devastating for The Suns.
What on earth are you talking about?
He literally slipped on a wet patch on the floor. That’s not suspicious, that’s the reason “caution, wet floor” signs exist. There’s plenty of video and also at least one photo of his ankle going totally sideways.
So you’re telling me billionaire owner Matt Ishbia let’s his team play on a wet floor? Give me a break. Every other team has people wiping it down. Something does not add up here.
Is billionare owner Matt Ishbia mopping the floors personally? No, of course not. He outsources to ball-boys, who aren’t particularly known for the spot checks. C’mon now.
Lil D continuing to show what he is least valuable commenter. More drivel.
How dare you criticize me. I am a top 3 commenter on this site both year in and year out. I’m sorry if it’s uncomfortable when reality doesn’t fit your narrative.
Imagine thinking your status on this site means anything. Bizarre.
Jealousy does not suit you
You’re adorable.
Kiss me
Pels fans earlier this season: Thanks for Wemby, Lakers!
Pels fans now: …
Not a fan of either team, but that is funny.