Suns’ Durant, Dunn Cleared to Play Against Timberwolves

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant and rookie Ryan Dunn are both available for Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center, marking the end of a three-game homestand. Durant had been listed as questionable with a left thumb injury, while Dunn was questionable with a left ankle sprain.

Dunn will come off the bench, with Royce O'Neale starting for the second consecutive game. O’Neale replaced Dunn in Monday’s 119-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Suns coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed Dunn’s availability during his pregame media session. Durant, who wore a black wrap on his left hand, was cleared to play after completing his pregame workout.

Durant scored 24 points in Monday’s win and participated in Wednesday morning’s shootalong. Dunn, who sprained his ankle in the first quarter of Saturday’s victory over the Washington Wizards, missed the Clippers game but expressed optimism about his return. “I stepped on Book’s foot,” Dunn said with a smile, referring to teammate Devin Booker. “I was going to try to make an aggressive play, just trying to go lay the ball up, and I think he just came in my way. I didn’t see his big orange feet on the floor.”

The Suns (24-21) have won their last three games and eight of their last 10. Currently eighth in the Western Conference, Phoenix trails Minnesota (25-21) by half a game and the Clippers (26-20) by 1.5 games for the sixth seed. “We’re playing good, all-around basketball, getting stops,” said Suns wing Grayson Allen. “Playing cohesive offensively. Big games from a few guys.”

Minnesota defeated Phoenix 120-117 in their first matchup this season on Nov. 17, with Julius Randle hitting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Devin Booker scored 44 points in that loss, while Durant and Bradley Beal were sidelined due to injuries. The Timberwolves also swept the Suns in the first round of last year’s NBA playoffs.

Following Wednesday’s game, the Suns will begin a four-game road trip Friday against the Golden State Warriors (23-23).