The Houston Rockets gave Kevin Durant a questionable designation before Sunday’s Game 4 showdown against the LA Lakers. NBA insider Shams Charania reported early in the day that the former MVP had “a bone bruise in his sprained ankle,” causing “swelling, stiffness and lack of mobility.”
Durant was eventually ruled out hours before the crucial game, even with the Rockets’ season on the line. Houston coach Ime Udoka confirmed Charania’s report in the pregame conference, saying that KD had “limited mobility.” Udoka added that the All-Star forward would just be around “50 percent” had Durant been cleared to play.
Udoka mentioned the minutes Durant played in the regular season as proof of the star’s desire to play. But due to the injury, the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s season is likely over. Udoka called the injury “unfortunate” and “tough” for the Rockets and for Durant.
Kevin Durant played 78 games this season, his most since the 2018-19 campaign. The 37-year-old star’s 2,840 minutes were the second most in the NBA this season, just behind 23-year-old teammate Amen Thompson’s 2,953.
The Rockets will try to extend their season without their veteran franchise cornerstone in Game 4.
Defense and Balanced Attack, Keeping the Rockets Alive Without Kevin Durant
The Houston Rockets’ defense, ranked No. 6 in the regular season, finally showed up in Game 4. Without Kevin Durant, their best scorer, the hosts leaned on pressure, rotation and physicality to grab a stranglehold of the game in the third quarter. Houston took a 79-59 lead with 3:23 left in the frame.
Houston forced LA to 1-for-10 (10%) shooting from deep. The Rockets’ pressure defense also caused the Lakers to commit 19 turnovers with still a quarter left to play. Houston translated those errors into 24 points.
Kevin Durant’s teammates also stepped up on offense. The much-criticized Reed Sheppard had 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, including 4-for-7 from deep. Amen Thompson and Tari Eason have combined for 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Alperen Sengun had 19 points, six rebounds and one assist.
Durant reportedly needs 2-3 weeks to recover. He might still not be ready even if the Rockets can drag the series to the full seven-game route.
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