Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is once again facing uncertainty after suffering a left ankle injury in a blowout loss to the Houston Rockets. With an MRI pending, fears of a Grade II sprain loom—a diagnosis that could end his season. This latest setback adds to Durant’s long history of injuries, raising questions: Can the 35-year-old forward fully recover, or are his prime years behind him?
The Achilles Tear: A Career-Defining Moment
If this is Kevin Durant’s final scene in a Warriors uniform, he’ll go out having ended two seasons as Finals MVP and the third powering back into a Finals (and giving 12 damn good minutes) before popping a calf that, we can see now, clearly wasn’t ready. pic.twitter.com/Yamy2wToDe
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 11, 2019
Durant’s most devastating injury came in the 2019 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors. After rushing back from a calf strain, he ruptured his Achilles tendon—a injury that required surgery and sidelined him for 18 months.
Impact: Missed entire 2019-20 season.
Comeback: Joined Brooklyn Nets in 2020, averaging 26.9 PPG in his return.
Long-term effects: Lost some explosiveness but adapted with elite shooting.
The Hamstring Strain & Calf Issues
Kevin Durant debuts his Nike KD 17 today in postseason opener on ESPN! #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/8bwvxAAlnY
— NBA KICKS (@NBAKicks) April 20, 2024
In 2021, Durant missed 23 games with a hamstring strain, derailing Brooklyn’s title hopes. Later, calf tightness became a recurring issue, forcing load management.
Key stat: The Nets were 27-8 with Durant that season but struggled without him.
The MCL Sprain (2022-23)
After a midseason trade to Phoenix in 2023, Durant suffered an MCL sprain, missing three weeks. The Suns went 5-6 without him, exposing their reliance on his scoring.
The Latest: Left Ankle Sprain (2024)
Kevin Durant rolled his ankle and the Suns lost to the Rockets 148-109. Timeline for healing depends on the severity.
Grade I: 1-2 weeks
Grade II: 4-6 weeks (out for season)
Says @GameInjuryDoc.This may be the last time we see KD in a Suns uniform.pic.twitter.com/X57OfH7bBX
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) March 31, 2025
The current ankle injury—suffered in a 148-109 blowout loss—could be the final straw for Durant’s season. If diagnosed as a Grade II sprain, recovery could take 4-6 weeks, potentially ending Phoenix’s playoff push.
Can Durant Bounce Back? Medical Experts Weigh In
We spoke to Dr. Rajpal Brar, a sports medicine specialist:
“Durant’s adaptability is remarkable, but repeated soft-tissue injuries are concerning. At 35, recovery slows down. Ankle sprains can linger, affecting his mobility and lift on jumpshots.”
The Bigger Question: Is This the End of KD’s Suns Era?
With Phoenix’s championship window closing, speculation grows:
Trade rumors: Dallas, New York, and Miami could pursue Durant.
Legacy risk: Another major injury might scare off contenders.
Final Thoughts
Durant has defied odds before, but Father Time is undefeated. If this ankle injury sidelines him long-term, it could force the Suns—and Durant himself—to make tough decisions this offseason.