The Phoenix Suns’ despair over their continued competition beyond the 2024-25 regular season has been devastated.
In an already frustrating season already plagued by the problems of struggle, reported locker room tensions, and trade drama, the franchise endured yet another brave hit when it mattered most.
Kevin Durant fell on March 30 with a clear left ankle sprain against the Houston Rockets.
The superstar forward was supported by the locker room and eventually didn’t return to the game as the Phoenix Suns were crushed at the worst loss of the year (148-109).
The injury occurred at the 6:57 mark in the third quarter. Following the Suns’ 92-57 lead posted by Rockets, Durant went aggressively into the basket from the top of the key, defended by Jabari Smith Jr.
As he entered the shaded area, Durant suddenly stepped into the foot of the big man in Houston, crashing into the ground. The Phoenix star was shaking in pain as Smith Jr. was asked to foul.
Durant was hobbing and was first sitting on the Phoenix bench so he couldn’t put much weight on his left leg. He was ultimately helped by the team staff when he entered the dugout.
His night ended with 11 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes, shooting 11-11 from the field.
At the post-game presser, head coach Mike Budenholzer announced that Durant would undergo an MRI and remain in Phoenix as the Suns began his crucial three-game road stretch.
“I’ll get an MRI tomorrow,” Budenholzer said. “He’s back (on a road trip) and we’ll appreciate it.”
The results of the scan will determine whether Durant will be able to join the Sands on an away trip. Nevertheless, Devin Booker understands that he needs to take the lead to keep his team’s season alive with seven games remaining at the table.
The Suns are 2-11 in 13 games Durant missed this season. With the third straight loss coming against Houston, the Phoenix fell to 35-40, 1.5 games away from the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, where the Sacramento Kings are currently occupied.
Starguard Bradley Beale missed seven consecutive games due to hamstring issues. So Booker acknowledges the necessary step-ups the Suns expects he will make.
“Everyone has to start with themselves and step up,” Booker said after the game. “Tonight is the exact opposite. We have it in the locker room. We need to pull it out.”
The Suns embark on a difficult journey on the East Coast without Durant, facing the Milwaukee Bucks (April 1), the Boston Celtics (April 4), and the New York Knicks (April 6).