The Houston Rockets received bad news for the second time in three games on the Kevin Durant front.
After experiencing another setback during the Rockets’ Game 2 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, Durant’s status for Game 3 was in question the moment the Rockets dropped their injury report on Thursday night.
Ahead of Friday’s action in Houston, Texas, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka explained what happened to the superstar forward.
“He’s a little bit ginger, went through some things at shootaround,” Udoka said, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Michael Shapiro. “Had some swelling in the ankle. We’ll give it a go tonight and see how he feels before the game.”
Ultimately, Durant was ruled out for Game 3.
The Latest Injury: Ankle Swelling
Durant was initially listed as questionable for Game 3 due to a left ankle sprain. The injury was believed to have occurred during Game 2, when Durant played 41 minutes and scored 23 points.
Udoka’s comments revealed that the ankle swelled up after shootaround. That swelling was enough to keep Durant off the court.
The Rockets are already down 0-2 in the series. Without Durant, they are massive underdogs.
Now, they will have to play Game 3 without their best player.
The Timeline: A Series of Setbacks
Before the series started last weekend, Durant was diagnosed with a knee contusion. He suffered that setback during a practice session in the days leading up to Game 1.
Although Durant was hopeful of playing in Game 1, the Rockets ruled him out. Without him playing in his Houston postseason debut, the Rockets couldn’t overcome the loss of their seasoned superstar. The Los Angeles Lakers collected a 107-98 victory to open the series.
Ahead of Game 2, the Rockets listed Durant as questionable. Considering the circumstances, it would’ve been a major shock if Durant missed the action as the Rockets trailed in the series.
Sure enough, the Rockets cleared Durant for action. He checked in for 41 minutes. During that time, the star forward shot 58.3% from the field and hit on 1-4 of his shots from three.
Durant wrapped up Game 2 with 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. After a slow second half filled with struggles, Durant’s Rockets came up short with a 101-94 loss.
The Impact: A Team on the Brink
Houston was put in a difficult spot, going into Game 3 with a 0-2 record and without Durant.
The former MVP’s status for Game 4 is unclear. As Durant battles with a knee contusion and a sprained ankle, his availability for the remainder of the series will be something to keep an eye on.
The Lakers are one win away from advancing to the second round. The Rockets are one loss away from elimination.
Durant’s absence makes an already difficult task nearly impossible.
The Reaction: Frustration in Houston
Rockets fans are frustrated. The team traded away young talent to acquire Durant. They believed he would be the missing piece.
Instead, he has been injured for two of the first three playoff games. He was not on the bench for Game 3. He was not visible to fans or media.
The optics are terrible. The results are worse.
The Verdict: A Season Slipping Away
The Rockets are not eliminated yet. They could theoretically win four straight games and advance.
But without Durant, that seems impossible.
The Lakers are playing with confidence. LeBron James is playing like a man possessed. The supporting cast is stepping up.
The Rockets, meanwhile, are missing their superstar. They are playing without their closer. They are playing without their hope.
Game 3 is Friday night. The Rockets will fight. But without Durant, their season is likely over.
And the questions about his future in Houston will begin.