Kevin Durant Shines in Return

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

After missing the previous six games due to an ankle injury, the reigning MVP had a very impressive outing during a 137-134 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns.

Kevin Durant had 44 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists during the win. Point guard Russell Westbrook left the game early in the second quarter due to a second technical foul. Durant provided an excellent all-around performance which propelled his team to the win. In overtime, Durant fueled the Thunder with four points as well as contributing with excellent ball movement. The Thunder are a much more complete team with Durant out there playing alongside them.

Without Durant, the Thunder had put up a .500 record at 3-3. Westbrook had been terrific over the past six games posting an average of 30.2 points and 8.2 assists. Many members of the Thunder stepped up during his absence like Serge Ibaka, who started to emerge back into the Thunder offense and their defense recording 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.

The Thunder have a tough schedule coming up, facing the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, and the Houston Rockets over the next few games. Having Durant back on the floor will definitely give the Thunder a better chance and an advantage going forward.

Durant’s injury has been recurring throughout the season and the Thunder have to do all they can to make sure their superstar is healthy and productive for the foreseeable future. Durant is an asset that is not easily replaced.