Small Forward superstar Kevin Durant of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder returned to play on the hard court Tuesday night in a losing effort against the New Orleans Pelicans (112-104).

Durant, the 6-foot-9 player, had surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot in mid-October. For just under seven weeks, he has sat on the sidelines. His initial recovery time was about six to eight weeks.

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Despite the layoff, there wasn't an ounce of noticeable rust on Durant as he drove past Anthony Davis for the two handed dunk. Throughout the whole night, it seemed he was back in form, as he scored 27 points. 

However, the scoring run of the past season's MVP just wasn't enough.

The Pelican's Tyreke Evans was too much for the Thunder as he relentlessly attacked the hoop. Coupled with Davis' all-around dominance, the Pelicans didn't lose.

After the game, Durant said that while his mind wasn't where he wanted it to be, he was still comfortable with himself. 

"I just got to keep putting together good days and I'll keep getting back to where I want to be," Durant said. "To get back to midseason form like I want to be is going to take some time. No excuses for me. I'm out there; I got to play as hard as I can no matter what and I got to go out there and be the best leader and player I can be."

The 26-year old player is coming off his best season. He averaged career highs of 32.0 points and 5.5 assists along with 4.7 rebounds per game. These achievements led him to his first career MVP award.

Durant's injury has certainly taken its toll on the Thunder. At present, Oklahoma City has only five wins and 13 losses on their record.

The return of Durant could not have come at a more opportune time. The team is four and a half games back in the loaded Western Conference playoff race already. It will need its stars back on court to catch up.

TagsKevin Durant, Pelicans