The Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a strong start in the 2024-25 season, boasting an 8-1 record under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. Kevin Durant’s standout play during the Suns’ hot start had him in early MVP discussions, but the team received disappointing news on Saturday. Durant sustained a calf strain during Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks and will be out for at least two weeks, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Losing Durant is a significant setback for the Suns, who are competing for the top spot in the Western Conference. As of now, they share the best record in the West with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant reportedly injured his calf during the Suns’ 114-113 victory over the Mavericks. Despite the injury, he played 37 minutes, recording 26 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks. He shot 8-of-14 from the field, 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 7-of-7.
With their leading scorer sidelined for at least two weeks, the Suns will rely on Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to take on a larger offensive role.
Durant, a former MVP, had been an early MVP contender this season. Through the Suns’ first nine games, he was averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks, with shooting splits of 55.3 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from three-point range, and 83.6 percent from the free-throw line.