The Phoenix Suns had a rough night after the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the side from the NBA In-Season tournament. Phoenix, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, stretched the suspense to the very last second. KD missed a three on the buzzer, which could have taken the game to extra-time play. And so, it ended in a bitter 103-106 semi-final loss for the Suns.

Durant, nevertheless, put on an impressive show against LeBron James and finished the game with 31 points and 7 rebounds. After an initial injury scare, he also tweaked his ankle during the second half of the game. KD was visibly in pain following the injury. The Suns are set to face the Sacramento Kings tonight in a consolation game. Both the teams will try to recover from the setback, but will the Suns be doing it without Kevin Durant? 

Kevin Durant ruled out for tonight’s game. 

Due to Durant’s sprained ankle, Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel has listed him ‘out’ on the injury list. KD, until now, has been the healthiest of all the Suns players. The team is at 12-9, and Durant has only missed two games.  

The basketball maverick had a few words to let out after the game against the Lakers. He said, “I just think the adrenaline and the intensity from the game kept me going. But I definitely felt it as I was getting dressed and I’m sure I’m gonna feel it tomorrow. But that’s sports, man. We got training staff that’s gonna help me out,”. 

Playing for 35 minutes against the Lakers was certainly a challenge for Durant, who yearns for a much-needed recovery break. Averaging more than 25 points in his last 18 games, the Suns will likely miss his presence. To add salt to the wound, other important players are also missing for Phoenix. 

READ MORE: “First Unicorn” Kristaps Porzingis Shares Honest Feelings About the Moniker Given by Kevin Durant: “I Didn’t Even Like It”

Other Suns players who are out for the game against the Kings

Several other players are listed as unavailable, including Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen. Beal, however, is expected to be back in the next week at the four home stand games. In their absence, Devin Booker will be leading the charge against the Kings tonight.