The struggling Oklahoma City Thunder has received a much needed lift when Russell Westbrook returned after more than a month of layoff due to fractured right hand. The explosive point guard, who missed 14 games this season, scored 32 points to power his team to 105-78 win against the New York Knicks. The Thunder needs more of that win to make it to the playoffs. Surely, they will improve if Kevin Durant returns soon. Reports say the reigning MVP might be back earlier than expected.
According to coach Scott Brooks, Kevin Durant return might or might not happen in team's game against New Orleans. He said that his star player is now doing well in practice and is on track when it comes to his recovery program.
"Kevin continues to progress well," Brooks said. "Thought he had a really good day and will continue to build on that."
Still, Brooks said that there's no assurance in Kevin Durant return.
"Don't know," Brooks said. "Don't know. We just want to continue to put up good days on top of each other. We'll let you know at the appropriate time."
Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a fractured right foot less than three weeks before the new NBA season started and was estimated to miss six to eight weeks.
ESPN.com's Royce Young also provided a clip of Kevin Durant taking some shots during their practice.
"Kevin Durant is going through a decently intense shooting workout," he wrote on his Twitter accompanied by a Vine video.
Kevin Durant is going through a decently intense shooting workout: https://t.co/f0zdSy1na4
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) November 29, 2014
Oklahom City Thunder needs Kevin Durant return to his best form right now with their current situation. They are in 14th place of the Western Conference. However, they can't rush him yet to avoid aggravating the injury just like what happened to Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose. The team's next four games are bit light though. They will face win-less Philadelphia 76ers on December 5, Detroit Pistons two days after and Milwaukee Bucks on December 9.
