The NBA world saw just how important Kevin Durant was to the Golden State Warriors earlier this week, when the Warriors dropped the first game of the NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors. Despite the loss, Durant still remains sidelined with an injury, and no matter how the next game goes, he won’t be able to play unless he can do one thing.

Speaking to the New York Post, one NBA source noted that Durant will likely be able to return by Game 4 at the latest. According to the source, however, Durant has yet to run on the court, and until he passes a running session with the team, he won’t be able to get back on the court.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has already ruled out Durant for Game 2 of the Finals, which could be big for the Raptors. After taking an early 1-0 lead thanks to major contributions from players like Pascal Siakim and Marc Gasol, going up 2-0 on the Warriors would be a huge swing, even if Durant does return.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
image thumbnail
Stephen A. Smith sends final NBA All-Star Game warningScotty White ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon ‘won’t dismiss’ Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksJason Patt ·
Mavericks Jason Kidd on left. New York Knicks 2025 logo on right. Question marks all over image.
How Mavericks, Knicks could discuss Jason Kidd trade after Tom Thibodeau firingJoey Mistretta ·
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton
Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals Game 1 injury reportJason Patt ·
Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic (51) runs down the court during the second half against the Washington Wizardsat Capital One Arena
Ex-NBA big man Boban Marjanovic sends fans into frenzy with ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ messageMiguel La Torre ·
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau talks with forward Taj Gibson (67)
Taj Gibson fires NSFW Tom Thibodeau message after Knicks firingJedd Pagaduan ·

Of course, the Warriors are going to be trying to avoiding digging themselves that deep of a hole, and while they did do a good job of slowing down Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, they’ll have to do a much better job slowing down everyone else on the Raptors while also getting production out of their own bench.

Outside of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors were severely lacking in the production department during Game 1 of the Finals. Draymond Green finished just 2-of-9 in shooting, and the Warriors bench – which was key in their sweep over the Portland Trail Blazers – wasn’t terrible, but couldn’t compete with the deep Raptors bench.

Needless to say, it’s clear that the Warriors do need Durant back to make this series easier, but it seems as if they won’t be getting him back until the series heads back to Oracle Arena. By then, the Warriors could already be in a do or die situation