TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 10: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is assisted off the court after sustaining an injury in the first half against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant won’t be playing basketball for a while, confirming on Wednesday that his Achilles is torn.
It was rumored for more than a day that Kevin Durant had torn his Achilles, and it turns out the rumors are true. The two-time NBA Finals MVP broke the news on Instagram.
Durant torn his Achilles just 12 minutes into his Game 5 Finals return from what was then described as a calf strain.
As you can see from his post, Durant seems to be in good spirits, and if there is any star who can come back from this, it is him. The Golden State Warriors are more than familiar with bringing a superstar (DeMarcus Cousins) back from an Achilles injury, and so if Durant stays he’ll be in good hands.
The Warriors will have to figure out how to win two games without their superstar forward, but if Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson can keep playing the way that they are then it might be doable.
The main problem is Kawhi Leonard. He has been visibly limping throughout these games, but the Warriors still don’t have an answer for him. He’s been the best man on the court so far, and the team with the most elite player typically wins a long series in basketball. SportsCenter even pointed out some similarities he has with Larry Bird.
This injury news brings up a lot more free agency scenarios for Durant. Does he decide to accept his one-year option with the Warriors and prove that he can still carry a team? Or does he think about inking a long-term deal to ensure his financial future?
Only time will tell.
Game 6 is Thursday night, and it will be the last game the Warriors play in Oakland. It’s only fitting that it will be in the NBA Finals where they have made so many memories. It’s going to be an all-out fight, and true fans of the league should tune in and watch the making or breaking of a dynasty.