Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant has suffered multiple injuries amid the team’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant’s first injury occurred even before the series began, as he collided with a teammate and sustained a knee bone bruise. It ruled him out of Game 1. Durant returned in Game 2, but then suffered a left ankle sprain.
Before the team’s elimination Game 4 on Sunday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Durant had suffered an ankle bone bruise, which could have ruled him out for two to three weeks during the season. As reported, Durant sat out Game 4. The Rockets, who were the underdogs to save their season, forced a Game 5 with a mammoth 115-96 win.
That raised speculation about Durant’s status for the rest of the series, especially Game 5. After Sunday’s win, Ime Udoka answered questions regarding it and issued an encouraging update. The Rockets coach shared that Durant could still return in round one, and his status will remain game-to-game. It will depend on how he feels and if the Rockets can extend the series beyond Game 5, too.
With a game-to-game status according to Ime Udoka, Kevin Durant will remain in contention to play Game 5. He has until Wednesday to rehab and recover. By then, Durant would have eight days to rest since he suffered the injury.
How Rockets beat the Lakers in Kevin Durant’s injury absence in Game 4
The Houston Rockets played like the favorites for the first time on Sunday. Their elite defensive pressure, which was the backbone of their success during the regular season, was on display as they achieved a franchise record of 17 steals. For the first time, the Rockets showed more urgency than the Lakers to begin the first and third quarters.
They led five at the end of the first. After taking a nine-point lead into halftime, the Rockets stretched that lead to 20 halfway through the third and eventually to 28 down the stretch in the second half. Offensively, Houston had its best 3-point shooting game of the series as it made 12 triples on 30 attempts.
The Lakers didn’t seem to have the legs to match up with the Rockets’ young players after the quickest turnaround between two games this series. With two days of rest, the Lakers might hit back hard, so the Rockets will hope they can keep up with the intensity when the other side plays harder than it did on Sunday.
Kevin Durant’s return could be a massive boost as it would be key to helping Houston sustain its shotmaking on the road.
