Durant misses road trip due to left ankle sprain

Kevin Durant is confirmed to miss the Suns' upcoming road trip due to a sprained left ankle.

The Phoenix Suns lost to the Houston Rockets 109-148 today. What was even more worrying was that their star forward Durant was accidentally injured in the third quarter. With 6 minutes and 57 seconds left in the game, Durant stepped on Jabari Smith's instep with his left foot during a breakthrough, and his ankle instantly turned inward and fell to the ground. Unable to finish the game, he eventually returned to the locker room with the help of his teammates.

After the game, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer inevitably talked about Durant's injury. He told reporters that Durant will undergo an MRI on Monday and will not travel with the team on the upcoming road trip. The Suns will then head to the East Coast to challenge the Bucks, Celtics and Knicks in succession.

After the game, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer inevitably talked about Durant's injury. He told reporters that Durant will undergo an MRI on Monday and will not travel with the team on the next road trip. The Suns will go to the East to challenge the Bucks, Celtics and Knicks in succession.

According to NBA medical expert Dr. Evan Jeffries, Durant is suspected of having an inversion (outside) ankle sprain. His recovery time depends on the severity of the injury: a grade 1 sprain will take 1 to 2 weeks, while a grade 2 sprain may take 4 to 6 weeks.

Durant, 36, has performed well this season, averaging 26.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.81 steals and 1.24 blocks in 36.6 minutes (62 appearances), shooting 52.7% and 3-point shooting 43.0%. As the core of the Suns' offense, his absence is a heavy blow to the Suns, who are fighting for a place in the play-offs.

The Suns are currently ranked 11th in the Western Conference with a record of 35 wins and 40 losses, 1.5 games behind the Kings. Durant started the game and played for 23 minutes, making 5 of 11 shots, scoring 11 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. If he fails to return in time, this game may be the curtain call of Durant's career with the Suns.