NBA world reacts to latest bad Kevin Durant injury news
Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder should mark Kevin Durant’s first home game as a member of the Phoenix Suns. But that won’t be the case.
While warming up before the game, Durant slipped on the court and injured his left ankle.
As a result, Suns fans at the Phoenix Footprint Center will have to wait a little longer for Durant to line up for the home team.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania tweeted the news on Wednesday, just before the tip.
Suns’ Kevin Durant is out tonight against Thunder with a left ankle injury. Durant slipped on the court while practicing before the game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 9, 2023
Empire of the Suns’ Kellan Olson shared video of the incident.
Here’s a video of Kevin Durant slipping on the floor before the game.
He lay there for a few seconds, but then got up and finished his work on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/DwTrNc6LIr
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 9, 2023
Time will tell how serious the injury is. A screenshot of the injury shows it was a full-fledged left ankle roll, which is not good.
WHAT https://t.co/yfCesex4tH pic.twitter.com/a1IyPU90gV
—
ALL ICONIC SPORTS (@ALLICONICSPORTS) March 9, 2023
On the other hand, another angle showed Durant getting to his feet quickly with minimal discomfort.
For those wondering – this is the practice session where KD slipped on a wet spot and injured himself before the game. https://t.co/caeIq3eGJS pic.twitter.com/kU3uAsb4qT
—
Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) March 9, 2023
NBA fans reacted to Durant’s injury, wishing him luck and lamenting the remarkably unfortunate season that took place.
What deals have been made with the basketball gods this season to cause so many injuries? What awful luck. Excited as a fan to see KD Hoop up front, his supporters are with the Suns.
https://t.co/d7nwZnk8tv — Chris Manning (@LD2K) March 9, 2023
KD, CP3 and Booker are all injury prone
This will not end well for Phoenix imo https://t.co/H1d5FFhJtS
– Ramón
(@RamonEditsss) March 9, 2023
Hopefully nothing serious for KD. #NBA #to sunbathe https://t.co/3Zh2DE9En8
— dr Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) March 9, 2023
My heartbeat skipped for a moment. https://t.co/7Ey2g9ar6z
– Sahal Abdi (@sahalabdi_) March 9, 2023
Just wild https://t.co/g0qDwVpBSg
— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) March 9, 2023
StubHub buyers in shambles https://t.co/TeETE9q78m
— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) March 9, 2023
Durant was fine after it happened. The still image of it didn’t look good. #To sunbathe https://t.co/V7ZKRXo9di
— Steve Fifer (@SparkyRadio) March 9, 2023
The Suns have played three road games with Durant in the lineup. He averaged 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 69% from the field, 53.8% on three-pointers, and 88.2% on free throws. Even after being sidelined for nearly two months, he didn’t miss much of a shot. The best thing is that the team is 3-0 in these games.
Three of Phoenix’s next four games will be played at home. The Suns will host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, March 11. Then, after an away game against one of Durant’s old teams, the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix, will be back home on Tuesday, March 14th and Thursday, March 16th for games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively .Orlando Magic.
[Shams Charania, Kellan Olson]