The Golden State Warriors have announced that Kevin Durant suffered a right calf strain. He has also been ruled out for the rest of Game 5.
Kevin Durant (right calf strain) will not return to tonight's game.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) May 9, 2019
Durant went straight to the locker room after suddenly limping from his right leg without any contact. Initially, it was thought to be an injury to the Achilles.
Oh no… Please don't let this be what we think it is for Kevin Durant. #Warriorspic.twitter.com/T50EOK7Eri
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 9, 2019
Durant has been pivotal for the Warriors, and a long-term absence would be a major blow to a team looking to win their third straight championship. In the 10 playoff contests prior to Game 5, KD is averaging 35.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.0 assist per game.
Moreover, in the series with the Rockets alone, Durant is putting up 36 points a night on top of five rebounds and assists.
Durant's injury came out of nowhere, which makes it more concerning. Prior to Game 5, head coach Steve Kerr admitted that his players — including KD — were banged up with a couple of minor injuries.
The Warriors' starters looked slow and fatigued in Game 5. While the right thing to do is to rest them for a minute or two, Kerr and company cannot afford to do this — especially against a dangerous Rockets team.
It remains to be seen if Durant can play in Game 6, but the Warriors will certainly hope for the best.
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