Top Key Player Has Been Ruled Out Of The Season…
One of the main concerns going into tonight’s game between the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors was Kevin Durant’s health. Due to an ankle sprain suffered during the Suns’ 106-103 loss to the LA Lakers in the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinal, the two-time finals MVP was unable to play in the team’s final game.
Durant will not play for the Warriors. Although he got plenty of rest after missing the previous game, he won’t be playing against his old team today. With Bradley Beal expected to return, the Suns were anticipating the introduction of their big three and hoping Durant would be ready to play. This season, KD, Beal, and Booker haven’t played together.
That’s due to Beal and Booker’s injuries. Booker (ankle, foot, and calf injuries) has played in 13 of 22 games, while Beal (back injury) has only participated in three.
Even with the injuries, the Suns have a 12-10 record this year. They have occasionally looked good, particularly when Durant and Booker are starting. With Beal on the team, the Suns could reach new heights thanks to the offensive threat that players of All-Star caliber bring.
Kevin Durant is in the 16th season of his career and has seemingly aged like fine wine.
The 35-year-old has averaged 31.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, shooting on 52/50/89 splits. Surprisingly, he has been the most available and durable among the Suns’ big three.
Durant has battled his own injuries since he returned from an Achilles injury in 2020, but this is the healthiest he has looked to start a season. He has made sure that the Suns have an opportunity to win every game with his remarkable 36.7 minutes per game and strong play on both ends of the court.
Durant has played aggressively, often looking to attack the paint rather than settle for jumpers. That has allowed him to be efficient offensively. He’s attempting 4.6 3-pointers a game, the lowest since his third year in the NBA, when he attempted 4.3 per contest.
With good reason, Kevin Durant’s achievements have elevated him to the verge of the top five in MVP discussions. He’s still a dangerous player who can have a big impact on the game and is still essential to the Suns’ hopes of winning a championship.