Suns’ Kevin Durant ruled out vs. Thunder after slipping pregame
Mar 8, 2023, 6:58 PM | Updated: Mar 9, 2023, 8:15 am
Kevin Durant’s home debut as a member of the Phoenix Suns will have to wait.
Durant was ruled out minutes before tipoff Wednesday evening against the Oklahoma City Thunder after slipping on the court during pregame warmups.
Here’s video of Kevin Durant slipping on the floor pregame.
He stayed down for a few seconds but then got up and finished his on-court work. pic.twitter.com/DwTrNc6LIr
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 9, 2023
The Suns announced he suffered “left ankle soreness,” and forward Torrey Craig replaced him in the starting lineup. Head coach Monty Williams did not have an official update after the game beyond saying Durant will undergo more testing on Thursday for the “ankle sprain.”
The former league MVP arrived in Phoenix after a trade with the Brooklyn Nets but missed his first six games with the Suns while recovering from an MCL sprain.
He made his first appearance with Phoenix on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on March 1 and has played in three games with the Suns, all wins.
Durant is averaging 26.7 points per game with Phoenix.
No KD on the bench as the game gets underway.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) March 9, 2023
Suns fans were energetic for Durant’s first game at home in his new colors. They cheered for each made basket during warmups before he went down.
Fans already have their Kevin Durant swag ready to show off at the superstars’ home debut. pic.twitter.com/wiFBoZ9bzA
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) March 9, 2023
Fans piled in during Durant’s introductory press conference at Footprint Center on Feb. 16.
Phoenix’s next home game is Saturday against the Sacramento Kings.
The Suns defeated the Thunder without Durant, 132-101.
