Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant is day-to-day after he sprained his right ankle in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Durant, the NBA’s fourth-leading scorer was on crutches and wearing a protective boot as he was leaving the arena. He did not speak to reporters after the Thunder lost 110-108 in overtime.
X-rays on Durant’s ankle came back negative. He finished with a season-low six points.
“I don’t know how long he will be out,” Oklahoma City interim coach Scott Brooks said.
Replays showed Durant stepping on Dallas forward Josh Howard’s foot while drawing a foul with 7:13 left in the quarter. He remained in the game for about three more minutes before walking off the court with a slight limp. Trainers examined Durant on the bench before he headed for the dressing room.
Durant, who averages just more than 26 points per game, had scored at least 30 points in nine of his last 10 games. He trails only Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in scoring.
I doubt he will play Saturday against Memphis out of smartness, but fortunately, it doesn’t seem serious at all. Sucks that KD got just six when he was well on his way to another 20-point game giving him 13 straight, an NBA season high.
vs. 
through the way it did
better combination than that? People say that LeBron James is the toughest guy to guard in the League right now, and I’d probably agree with that. But within a couple of years, I honestly think it’s going to be Kevin Durant. First of all, he’s still as physically mature as a cub. There’s something awkward about KD when he’s walking in the street – he’s still 2-3 years away from being as fully coordinated as he will become. So what will happen when he becomes a touch more explosive, a bit more fluid, and most importantly, more confident going to the basket? Pair that with his already automatic jumper, and what do you have? At Danny Granger’s age (25), KD will be the next Kobe Bryant.”
Atlanta Hawks. NOT -The Houston Rockets … HOT – Bragging that you said the Blazers should have taken Kevin Durant in 2007. SO Five Minutes Ago – Saying “Kevin Durant sucks.” NOT- www.firekevindurant.com”
one of the Lakers, but somebody was inconspicuously missing from the court. Like a coiled snake, Kobe sat patiently, waiting to get his chance to strike again. The camera flashed over to him and with the Ford Center rocking and the Thunder riding a monster wave of momentum, Kobe’s face was expressionless almost like he was saying, “It’s cool. I got this.” And when the Mamba returned, L.A. scored on nine straight possessions and took control of the game, pulling away to a 107-93 win. It’s just what he does.
The value in keeping Joe Smith
It seems like every team out there is after Joe Smith. Like the three buzzards in the Jungle Book, they’re just perched on a limb waiting for Sam Presti to pay Joe his money and turn him loose. Cleveland’s salivating over him. Boston wanted him but settled on Mikki “hands in the pants” Moore instead. Phoenix really needs him. Most think Smith is going to get bought out soon and snatched up by a playoff squad.
But it hasn’t happened yet. And quite honestly, who knows if it will happen at all. And if it doesn’t by March 1st, it ain’t happening at all (players waived after March 1st can’t be included on playoff rosters). But why? Why wouldn’t OKC waive Smith and why wouldn’t Smith want to be waived? He’s extremely attractive to a lot of teams because his contract is up this year and because he’s a valuable veteran that can provide court savvy and points off the bench. He’d save the Thunder some money and he’s not really adding much as is. So why not?
I think the simple answer is that he wants to stay with the Thunder. That’s it. He likes where he’s at. He’s said already that he’s got no desire to latch on to another team and chase a title in his twilight. He likes where he’s at. He likes playing with these young guys and I think he wants to have a hand in building this budding franchise. Sure the team may be 13-44, but like everybody that has a functioning brain, he sees how bright the future is. And he wants to be part of it. Keep Reading…