Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant made his return to the lineup for Monday night’s Game 5 of the NBA Finals, after missing the last month with what was referred to as a calf injury. It’s a must-win game for the Warriors, trailing 3-1 in the series.
So, it’s possible Durant came back sooner than he should’ve in an effort to help save Golden State’s season. And after actually being very productive in 12 minutes of play (11 points), Durant left the game after appearing to aggravate his leg injury.
KD taken out of the game after re-injuring his calf. pic.twitter.com/i3y9EfQfdG
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 11, 2019
Watch KD grab his lower calf/Achilles as he goes down here. Durant had scored 11 pts in the1Q; he'd also played 12 out of the first 14 minutes of the game – counter to the "short bursts" Kerr had promised pregame, but I have to assume KD wanted to stay in.
He was a gamer tonight. pic.twitter.com/74E5FRk6Jn— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 11, 2019
Iggy helped KD walk to the locker room after his injury. pic.twitter.com/6TLRPRCiW0
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 11, 2019
But there’s concern this isn’t just a “calf” injury, and is potentially an Achilles.
KD clearly grabbing at Achilles.
Not saying complete tear but that is too low to be called calf. Bad news, his finals are done even if there is a game 7. Good news, should not affect his free agency. pic.twitter.com/RxaJKZKfVn— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) June 11, 2019
Looking at Durant video after he went down. He very clearly is holding his Achilles, not his calf. #warriors have been saying calf injury since KD initially got hurt pic.twitter.com/tQt2IqmgvE
— Larry Beil (@LarryBeilABC7) June 11, 2019
And this video clip adds cause for concern:
You can definitely see something pop! @ProFootballDoc pic.twitter.com/nAPlPli74v
— ACL Recovery Club (@ACLrecoveryCLUB) June 11, 2019
Hopefully it’s on the minor end of injuries and isn’t anything long-term for Durant, but it’s hard to see him returning to the NBA Finals at the very least.
UPDATE: Kevin Durant left the arena on crutches and in a walking boot.
Kevin Durant is seen on crutches and in a walking boot at Scotiabank Arena. pic.twitter.com/4r7M0QrY7T
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 11, 2019
UPDATE: A very emotional Warriors president of basketball operations Bob Myers confirmed it’s an Achilles injury for Kevin Durant.
#Warriors GM Bob Meyers is visibly emotional as he announces that Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles injury tonight pic.twitter.com/UOX5rMdBBp
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 11, 2019
UPDATE: ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports that the Warriors believe Kevin Durant’s MRI will confirm a torn right Achilles tendon.
The Warriors believe Kevin Durant’s MRI on Tuesday will confirm a torn right Achilles’ tendon, league sources tell me and @wojespn
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 11, 2019
