The Oklahoma City Thunder are finally among the top-eight teams in the Western Conference and are riding high after a trade deadline that shored up a long-standing weakness and improved underwhelming depth. This should be when Scott Brooks’ team proves itself as a legitimate title contender. Instead, the Thunder can’t seem to shake the injury bug that’s plagued them all season long.
After leaving Oklahoma City’s win over the Dallas Mavericks late in the fourth quarter, Kevin Durant will sit-out tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets with soreness in his right foot.
Kevin Durant (foot soreness) will NOT play against the Hornets tonight.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 21, 2015
Silver lining: As the reigning MVP and team officials indicated after Thursday’s contest, this latest issue isn’t one likely to sideline Durant for a substantial amount of time. Instead, it’s just normal wear-and-tear associated with his preseason surgery for a Jones fracture and subsequent ankle sprain in December.
Moving forward, Kevin Durant's foot will be monitored on a day-to-day basis. Hasn't been ruled out of tomorrow vs Denver.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 21, 2015
It also bears mentioning that now would be a good time for Durant to rest his fragile foot, too. Not only are the currently Thunder in eighth-place out West, but also face two more underwhelming opponents after meeting with Charlotte – the Denver Nuggets on Sunday and Indiana Pacers two days later. Though it would hardly ease the growing concerns of Oklahoma City fans, resting Durant for those contests seems a prudent option.
And if there’s any team that can withstand a lack of in-season continuity, it’s definitely the ultra-talented Thunder. Brooks only has so much time to integrate Enes Kanter, DJ Augustin, and Kyle Singler before the games start to really matter come late April, but the same can be said for ensuring Durant’s long-term health.
If doing so means an extra loss or two along the way, that’s a sacrifice Oklahoma City needs to be willing to make – and continues to show it is by opting to sideline Durant tonight.
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