AP Photo/Matt York
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant will not make his group launching Friday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, however his return looms after the 13- time All-Star participated in a “two-hour extreme exercise and skirmish” on Thursday, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
Durant, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Suns on Feb. 9, has actually been out considering that Jan. 8 with an separated MCL sprain of his best knee. He has actually balanced 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 helps per video game this season.
The Suns will start the 2nd half of their season versus OKC prior to starting a four-game trip versus the Milwaukee Bucks (Sunday), Charlotte Hornets (Wednesday), Chicago Bulls (Friday, March 3) and Dallas Mavericks (Sunday, March 5). Windhorst reported that Durant’s return is anticipated throughout that period.
” He’s formally everyday however is anticipated to make his return throughout the group’s upcoming four-game journey. Sunday’s video game in Milwaukee is a possibility, however as Durant deals with enhancing his conditioning in his very first contact exercises following an ideal MCL sprain suffered on Jan. 8, Wednesday in Charlotte is a most likely return date.”
That would imply a match versus ex-Nets colleague Kyrie Irving, who now bets the Mavs after being traded to Dallas on Feb. 6.
For now, Durant is increase to prepare to play. The scene Thursday was extreme as the Suns want to benefit from their star power and rise themselves to their very first NBA title in franchise history.
” The Suns generated referees to make it a game-like environment, and coach Monty Williams stated it was the longest and most extreme exercise the Suns have actually had because training school,” Windhorst reported.
During the All-Star break, Durant exercised at the group center and played individually video games with shooting guard Devin Booker.
Before the break, he was seen taking shots and working in individually drills however had actually not ramped up to three-on-three or five-on-five training as of.
We’ll see Durant play a regular-season video game in a Suns consistent quickly enough, however, as he partner with Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton to form a great quartet.