Sources: KD to return for Suns vs. Timberwolves

How will Kevin Durant’s return impact the Suns? (1:09)

Zach Lowe raises the questions that Kevin Durant’s return to action will impact the Phoenix Suns as the NBA playoffs approach. (1:09)

Mar 28, 2023

  • Brian WindhorstESPN Senior Writer

    Close

    • ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010
    • Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years
    • Author of two books

Kevin Durant finally will make his home debut for the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing three weeks because of a left ankle sprain, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Durant suffered a freak sprain after slipping during pregame warmups on March 8, which caused him to miss the past 10 games.

Suns coach Monty Williams didn’t confirm Durant’s return date at Tuesday’s availability, saying the team will have “an official update when we have one.”

“I always use the term checking the boxes,” Williams’ said of Durant’s recovery. “You have to get the pain and swelling out and all of that and then you progress onto the floor with shots. And I’ve seen him go from cardio to shooting to be able to get up and down a little bit and get himself prepared to go to the next level.”

Durant has played only three games for Phoenix since being acquired in a blockbuster trade in early February. He averaged 26.7 points and shot a sizzling 69% in those games, all Suns wins, before he turned his ankle in a drill.

The Suns entered Tuesday night’s slate one loss up on the LA Clippers for the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference.

Durant’s return was first reported by The Athletic.

ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to this report.

E-Jazz News