31 March 2023 , 16:02
486
0
Kevin Durant made his long-awaited Phoenix Suns home debut in the 107-100 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves after a ten-game layoff with a sprained ankle.
The 2014 MVP, 34, joined the Suns at the start of February, following a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Durant has played three times, and winning all three, for his new side - but all of those appearances came on the road.
A sprained ankle saw Durant miss ten games in the build-up to the home clash with the Timberwolves, and on his return, the power forward inspired yet another victory, maintaining a 100 per cent win record as a Suns player.
Durant had 16 points, four assists and eight rebounds in a 107-100 victory but despite this, he has been told to work on his cardio. Phoenix coach Monty Williams was impressed with what he saw from the 13-time All-Star but expects a different beast once Durant returns to full fitness.
"I thought he battled on both ends," Williams told reporters. "I think his cardio has got to get back to the level he wants it. Once he gets that, we'll see the Kevin that we all know."
LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display
Durant has admitted that he was nervous ahead of his home debut. In fact, he says it was hard for him to get sleep in the build-up. "It was hard for me to get sleep today, it was hard for me to stop thinking about the game," Durant said. "Sometimes you can want it too bad, and you come out, start rushing and being uncharacteristic."
Durant had 16 points, four assists and eight rebounds (Getty)Durant also expressed his joy of being back out on the court. "I'm glad I'm back, I'm glad I'm playing again and being one of the guys. Just building from here," Durant said. "It felt good. I miss playing, I miss being with the guys. It was a big win for us, we needed this one, but yeah I felt good being out there again."
The win over the Timberwolves was the Suns’ third victory in a row. It has helped the NBA franchise consolidate their grip on the Western Conference's fourth seed.
The Suns have just six games left in the regular season, with their next outing coming at home against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, who sit top of the Western Conference.