Suns Excited as Kevin Durant Nears Return

Kevin Durant's first game in a Phoenix Suns jersey is imminent as he participated in a two-hour workout showing glimpses of what is to come.

The return of Kevin Durant is imminent.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Durant participated in an intense two-hour workout and scrimmage on Thursday which was the Phoenix Suns longest workout since training camp.

Durant is eying a Wednesday Mar. 1 return when the Suns take on the Charlotte Hornets during their road trip.

With 21 games remaining in the regular season, Phoenix needs Durant back on the court sooner rather than later. Obviously the health of Durant is most important but if the Suns expect to make any noise come playoff time, they will need some time to gain chemistry with each other.

Durant has been out since he sprained his MCL on Jan. 8 in a game against the Miami Heat. The fact that Durant was able to participate in a full two-hour workout is an extremely positive sign.

Durant's performance during the workout inspired some of his teammates.

"When guys watch him work, I think it's something that inspires people to get after it in their own workouts," Suns coach Monty Williams said. "Because they're not going to find anybody that goes as hard as Kevin. When he's doing his individual stuff it's amazing to watch."

Actually seeing Durant on the court scrimmaging with the rest of the team brought glimpses of what is to come once he returns.

"It was hard to put into words, I can't wait until we do it against other teams," Devin Booker said. "A lot of teams have one good defender or two good defenders, now you have to find who you're going to put them on."

With Durant now in Phoenix, the Suns are ready to go on a deep playoff run and the energy in the locker room has officially shifted.

"I think everybody's competitive level has risen a little bit," Deandre Ayton said. "The atmosphere around the facility has, I won't say gotten intense, but it's definitely a little denser when it comes to business. Ain't no more playing games or, you know, less smiles, more seriousness and getting a job done."