The Phoenix Suns will be without superstar Kevin Durant for at least two weeks, per ESPN, as he suffered a left calf strain during the team's 114-113 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Durant played 37 minutes in the win, leading the way with 26 points on 8 of 14 from the field to go along with five rebounds and four assists.
It's unclear exactly when Durant picked up the injury given that he played a regular number of minutes, but there's no harm in being cautious with a player who has endured his fair share of injuries in the past. But the timing of the injury is brutal for the Suns, who have gotten out to an incredible 8-1 start to the season, putting them at the top of the Western Conference. Durant, specifically, has been out to an MVP-level start, averaging 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists while shooting 55% from the field and 43% from deep.
While it's still incredibly early in the season, the Suns have looked like a formidable team in the West, as head coach Mike Budenholzer has done an impressive job in his first year with the team. Being without Durant, however, will be a massive test for a Phoenix team that a season ago was very reliant on the star power of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
But this isn't the same team from a season ago. The Suns filled out their roster with some quality role players, so they should be better equipped to withstand an extended absence from Durant. Booker and Beal are capable of making up for Durant's offense, and the production that Jusuf Nurkic has provided to start the season has already won the Suns a couple of games.
With Durant out, we may see Royce O'Neale inserted into the starting lineup for Durant, and surprise standout rookie Ryan Dunn will likely receive even more minutes when he's back from an ankle injury that currently has him listed as day-to-day. Dunn's been a tenacious defender, and has been shooting the ball incredibly well from 3-point range -- 39% on four attempts per game. Durant's absence will give him an opportunity to prove he can handle even more responsibility.
Looking at Phoenix's schedule, it's going to be a tough road ahead without their superstar. Only two games over the next two weeks are against teams under .500, as they have matchups against the Thunder -- who are also 8-1 on the season -- as well as the Timberwolves and Knicks. The Suns have a deep roster to still string together some wins, but it will be substantially harder without Durant.
