Kevin Durant was rusty on his return from a sprained ankle as the Phoenix Suns triumphed 107-100 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Durant had missed the Suns’ past 10 games after injuring his ankle during the warmup prior to his intended home debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 8, following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
But the All-Star returned on Wednesday, albeit with rusty shooting before a strong fourth quarter, finishing with 16 points on five-of-18 shooting, making two-of-four three-point attempts, both in the final period.
Durant also had eight rebounds and four assists, while Devin Booker top scoring with 29 points for the Suns.
“Excited to be out there, rushing shots, it’s part of it,” Durant said about his early struggles.
“I was just trying to keep playing and make plays. I made a couple of shots down there in the fourth quarter.”
Durant’s return to fitness significantly boosts the Suns’ title hopes, with the side sitting fourth in the Western Conference with a 40-35 record.
Phoenix boast Durant and Booker along with Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton in a dangerous line-up, with Durant stating “staying healthy” is key for them.
“We’ll see what happens,” Durant said. “Anything can happen these last weeks of the season, we’re just trying to focus on us.”
On playing alongside Booker, Durant added: “It’s fun. We move the ball, we play the right way. guys playing with pace and energy. It’s only going to get better, the more minutes we get together and the more reps. Looking forward to it.”
