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Kevin Durant is anticipated to be re-evaluated in two weeks after struggling a sprained ankle on Wednesday, in response to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. Durant, who has performed simply three video games for the Phoenix Suns to this point, was a late scratch for Wednesday’s sport towards the Oklahoma City Thunder after struggling the damage throughout a pregame exercise.
The Arizona Republic reported that there was concern throughout the Suns group that the celebrity ahead could possibly be sidelined for the rest of the common season and the beginning of the playoffs with a Grade 2 ankle sprain, however in response to Charania’s preliminary two-week timeline, the present prognosis seems to be a bit extra optimistic.
Video of the damage reveals Durant warming up earlier than Phoenix’s sport towards the Thunder, wherein he slips on the ground and tweaks his left ankle whereas going towards the basket for a layup.
After remaining on the bottom for just a few moments following the autumn, Durant was capable of end his exercise. However, Phoenix in the end determined to carry him out of the sport — a 31-point win over the Thunder.
“I really feel dangerous for him as a result of he feels dangerous,” Suns coach Monty Williams instructed reporters. “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 approach in any respect.”
A knee (MCL) damage earlier this season pressured Durant to overlook 20 video games, together with a number of that got here after he was traded to the Suns.
In the three video games Durant has performed in Phoenix, he has been stellar. The Suns haven’t misplaced with Durant within the lineup, and he’s averaging virtually 27 factors per sport on 69 % capturing. The Suns traded an unlimited package deal to land him within the hopes that he can take a crew that misplaced within the 2021 Finals over the hump.
Health is likely one of the main issues about his means to take action. A two- or three-week absence is comparatively quick within the grand scheme of issues, however these are video games Phoenix actually would have favored to have used to assist combine Durant into their crew construction. Now they will have to take action on the fly with a model of Durant that shall be coming off of an ankle damage.