'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABhAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABggQAAEDBAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxEABAUGEiEHIjGRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBEAAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECERIxMtH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMoZ/TMRrHjzXsuwA9cX6soHy42CFm0cQOJ7PrxPUVLK1Ox5GUSZPxUD8ilKeltsa4WqP//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Kevin Durant has missed the Phoenix Suns’ last nine games after spraining his left ankle during pregame warmups last Mar. 8. The Suns projected a three-week timetable for his return.
After his side’s 117-103 win against the Utah Jazz on Monday night, Phoenix coach Monty Williams had this to say about Durant’s status on Wednesday:
"We'll see. I got to get the information from our team. He's working his tail off. I’m not quite sure because I’ve been so focused on the team that we have on the floor.
"When all the boxes are checked, we’ll evaluate him and see. He’s working his tail off. He’s done everything possible to get himself back as close as he can to game shape, but it’s hard."
The Suns were just 1-6 immediately following KD’s freak ankle injury. They looked like they were going into a free fall and out of the top four in the Western Conference standings. Wins against the Philadelphia 76ers last Saturday and versus the Jazz on Monday have given them some semblance of stability.
Monty Williams would obviously rather have Kevin Durant in the lineup than be without. They’re unbeaten when he plays.
The Suns can’t afford to relax as the bunched-up Western Conference standings demand that they win as many games as possible.
Phoenix still has seven games left on their schedule. The Suns will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets twice, the OKC Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs, the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers.
Out of their remaining opponents, the Spurs are probably the only team not playing for anything other than pride. Kevin Durant’s presence will be invaluable as they try to close out the regular season on a strong note.
The Phoenix Suns’ title chances require Kevin Durant to be 100% healthy
The Phoenix Suns started the season at +1400 to win the NBA championship. After acquiring Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, their odds improved to +400. When he’s healthy, KD can change the title odds of a franchise.
Even with Kevin Durant available to play, Phoenix will be just one of several contenders who can legitimately win the title. They are not the favorites considering how the rest of the supporting cast is constructed after the blockbuster trade.
However, with Durant fully healthy, the Suns will undoubtedly like their chances of emerging out of the Western Conference.
Monty Williams’ starting unit is perhaps the most complete and deadliest in the entire NBA. Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and whoever plays the small forward role will be a tough team to beat in any series.
The Suns have used one of Torrey Craig, Josh Okogie and T.J. Warren to start alongside their fearsome four. Phoenix will be raring to face any team in the postseason with what it has on its roster as long as its stars are healthy.
Durant is hands-down one of the most malleable superstars to play in the NBA. He has shown no problems operating around Paul and Booker.
In three games for the Suns, KD is averaging 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 blocks. He is shooting 69.0% from the field, including 53.8% from behind the arc.
The Phoenix Suns are hoping they can get him back as those numbers are irreplaceable.
Guess the Lakers players!
