Durant injured before Suns win over Thunder

PHOENIX (AP) — Kevin Durant injured his ankle in warmup before his first home game with the Phoenix Suns, who again beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 132-101 on Wednesday night.

Devin Booker scored 44 points and Terrence Ross added 24 for Phoenix, which has won four straight. But the comfortable victory and the good race were practically secondary marks, after Durant’s injury.

The star was supposed to get a chance to introduce himself to local fans. Thirteen-time All-Star Durant was acquired by the Suns in a massive trade with Brooklyn.

There was a lot of anticipation at the Footprint Center to see him play.

However, he sprained his left ankle on his way to the basket as he prepared to play. The 6ft 10in (2.08m) player immediately got up and started walking.

But minutes later, the Suns announced they would miss the game.

Without Durant, Phoenix fans had to settle for a shooting spectacle from Booker, who had 30 points in the first half.

A three-time All-Star, Booker was 17 of 23 from the field, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range. The crowd rose to cheer him in the fourth period, when he finally went to the bench.

Ross also made six of 10 3-pointers. Chris Paul had 18 points and nine assists, shooting 4-5 from long range.

Oklahoma City played without star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with abdominal strain. Without him, the Thunder were outplayed and the Suns came out on top in the second half.

Lindy Waters III led the Thunder with 23 points.