The Phoenix Suns have had a dream start to the season and will have to continue it without Kevin Durant.
The star striker suffered an injury to his left calf on Friday and will be out at least until he is re-evaluated in two weeks, the newspaper said. ESPN’s Shams Charania. Durant suffered the injury during the Suns’ 114-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday.
A calf injury is especially concerning for Durant as he missed much of the lead-up to this year’s Paris Olympics due to the same problem, although he had a healthy preseason and a strong start to the regular season. He was a vital part of the Suns’ 8-1 start, posting an NBA-best 35 clutch points and shooting 42.9% from behind the three-point line.
The Suns essentially showed the form many expected when they added Bradley Beal to a roster that also included Durant and Devin Booker. The trio’s first season together was a frustrating experience at times, as they finished sixth in the West at 49-33 and fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
With a full year together and a new head coach in Mike Budenholzer, the team has looked better this season. Now they’ll have to see how well they can keep it together for at least the next two weeks, a span that includes a rematch with Minnesota on Nov. 17.