The Nets organization and fan base collectively held their breath after Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury in a game against the Heat on Jan. 8. Durant left the game in the third quarter after Jimmy Butler landed on his right knee — the opposite knee that kept the All-Star forward sidelined for over 20 games last season.
A month later, the anxiety shifted to the Suns and their fans. Brooklyn agreed to deal Durant to Phoenix late on Feb. 8.
MORE: Nets deal KD to Suns | NBA Twitter reacts in real time
Durant is enjoying an MVP-caliber season, averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He's joining a Phoenix team that's intent on winning a Western Conference that got tougher at the deadline.
For the latest updates on the All-Star forward's injury, The Sporting News has you covered below.
What is Kevin Durant's injury?
On Jan. 8, Durant left the game against the Heat with a sprained MCL in his right knee and did not return.
He suffered the injury in the third quarter when Butler landed awkwardly on his knee after a layup attempt.
Nets say Kevin Durant (knee) is out for the rest of the game pic.twitter.com/8XNMak8nWb
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) January 9, 2023
How long will Kevin Durant be out?
While The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that there was "optimism" that Durant would return before the All-Star break and play in the All-Star Game, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news that Durant was not expected to return to the lineup until after the All-Star break.
The Suns announced on Feb. 28 that Durant is expected to play against the Hornets on March 1.
𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰. ⌛️#WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/JMRID1LDf3
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 28, 2023
Kevin Durant career stats, highlights
- 27.3 points per game
- 7.1 rebounds per game
- 4.3 assists per game
- 1.1 blocks per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 3.2 turnovers per game
- 36.7 minutes per game
- 49.8 percent shooting
- 38.4 percent 3-point shooting
- 88.6 percent free throw shooting
