2 weeks Ago
In a season that has been marred by disappointment and injuries, the Phoenix Suns suffered another huge blow Sunday night, dropping their third straight in a 148-109 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets — and losing star forward Kevin Durant in the process. Midway through the third quarter, with the Suns trailing by nearly 40 points, Durant appeared to roll his left ankle after his foot landed on Jabari Smith Jr.’s during a drive to the basket.
The 36-year-old had to be helped gingerly off the floor by his teammates, unable to put any weight on his leg. Suns rookie Oso Ighodaro had to be subbed in to take the free throws for Durant. The Suns later ruled Durant out with a left ankle sprain.
Kevin Durant left the game after injuring his ankle on this play. pic.twitter.
com/OUJ3YmZO7I — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 31, 2025 The Suns, who have underperformed all season, are fighting to make the NBA’s Play-In Tournament. They began Sunday’s contest in 11th place in the West. At 35-40, they now find themself 1 1/2 games back of the final Play-In spot in the West with just seven games to go.
Losing Durant for any stretch would be a devastating blow to Phoenix’s postseason hopes. The Suns are 2-11 without him this season. Advertisement In his 18th season, Durant is averaging 26.
8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game.
Durant has appeared in 61 of 74 games this season, and at this juncture, it’s unclear if he’ll be able to reach the 65-game threshold to be considered eligible for NBA Awards. But more importantly, any Play-In hopes are directly tied to Durant’s availability. (Photo: Chris Coduto / Getty Images).
