Kevin Durant is expected to make a return to the Golden State Warriors at some point before the end of the season. Durant was injured after Zaza Pachulia fell on his left leg in the first quarter of a Warriors loss to the Washington Wizards on Feb. 28. The Warriors All-Star was diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain and tibial bone bruise in his left knee but the initial diagnosis was much different.
Talking with The Ringer's Bill Simmons on his podcast, Durant revealed that he was first told that he broke his left leg. The timing of this initial diagnosis was so heartbreaking for Durant, that he actually broke down into tears. Durant's conversation with Simmons was transcribed by CSN Bay Area:
“The first diagnosis we got was that I broke my leg — fractured my tibia.” Durant revealed. “And that's a four or five month recovery … I just bust out crying … this is my first year with the team, we're playing very well at the time.
“I was playing well individually. It was definitely a good time for our team … I wrapped my mind around this long recovery and what it's gonna take for me to get back.
“And then we got a call like, ‘We checked the scans again … and they told me it was just a bruise there and I sprained my MCL. And that reaction in the car was like second to none. That emotional roller coaster was something out of a movie.”
Durant's emotional reaction is of course quite natural. After all, he was having a sensational season and the Warriors resembled the super team many envisioned when he decided to sign with Golden State in the offseason. And thankfully for Durant and the Warriors, he was quickly able to wipe his tears away as the second diagnosis meant he would be able to return this season and help the Warriors try and win a championship.
It remains to be seen when and how effective Durant will be whenever he returns. But just the mere addition of Durant will greatly help the Warriors and should strengthen their efforts of making a third straight trip to the NBA Finals.
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