Durant Getting Closer To Return

By Randy Renner

Thunder superstar Kevin Durant has missed more than half his team's games but he appears to be getting close to returning to the lineup.

Durant was seen after the Thunder's main practice session on Monday going through an extensive workout with team trainers and medical staff members.

It was the most strenuous workout reporters have seen lately and involved much more than  just shooting.

Durant appeared to be making hard cuts, ran up and down the floor a couple of times and dropped in shots from several different spots. He was also seen working on defensive agility.

Head coach Scott Brooks downplayed it though saying Durant was doing much the same things on Monday that he'd been doing and that he still was not participating in the Thunder's main practice sessions.

Still, it would seem KD is definitely getting closer to a return not only to practice but to game action as well.

A couple of internet reports indicated he may be targeting Wednesday night's game against the Clippers, but judging by what Brooks said on Monday, the Timberwolves game on Friday or the Bulls game on Sunday may be more likely.

Despite the incredible play lately of superstar point guard Russell Westbrook the Thunder will need Durant to secure a spot in the playoffs and then a deep run against stout opposition.

After Monday's workout it would not be a surprise to see that Durant has been cleared to participate at least partially in practice.

We'll be at the Integris Health Thunder Development Center today to find out if that happens.