Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant returned to action in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after being forced to sit out Game 1 with a knee injury. Durant was initially a game-time decision, but was ultimately cleared to play on Tuesday for the second game of this first-round NBA playoffs series.
Despite Durant’s return, however, the Rockets still lost, 101-94. This put Houston in a deep hole in the series, as it fell 2-0 to a shorthanded Lakers side.
Durant’s 23 points, six rebounds and four assists in 41 minutes were not enough to lift the Rockets to victory. The former NBA MVP struggled taking care of the ball, committing nine costly turnovers in the loss.
Another Injury Concern: Left Ankle Sprain
As it turns out, Durant may have been battling another injury in Game 2. The Rockets announced on Thursday that the 16-time All-Star is now dealing with a left ankle sprain. This has cast serious doubt on Durant’s status for Game 3 on Friday.
Houston submitted its injury report for Game 3 and Durant is now in danger of sitting out again. The Rockets announced on Thursday that the two-time NBA champion forward is officially listed as questionable to play.
It is unclear when Durant picked up the ankle injury. It is possible that the four-time NBA scoring champion tweaked his ankle in Game 2 on Tuesday.
Déjà Vu: Another Game-Time Decision
It is important to note that Durant was also listed as questionable to play heading into Game 1 due to the knee issue. He was eventually ruled out after testing his knee ahead of tipoff.
This could be the case again for the 37-year-old on Friday. The Rockets likely won’t make their final decision on Durant’s status until closer to tipoff.
The Rockets will host Game 3 at Toyota Center. It’s a must-win game for Houston. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.
The Stakes: A Season on the Line
The Rockets are down 0-2. They have lost two games at home. They are facing a Lakers team that is playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
If the Rockets lose Game 3, the series is effectively over. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history.
The pressure is immense. And now, the Rockets may have to face that pressure without their best player.
What Happens If Durant Sits Out?
If Durant cannot play, the Rockets will be in serious trouble. They struggled to score in Game 1 without him, shooting 37% from the field. They struggled to close in Game 2 with him, turning the ball over 21 times.
Without Durant, the Rockets would rely heavily on Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Green is capable of explosive scoring nights, but he is inconsistent. Sengun is a skilled post player, but he is not a closer.
The Lakers would load up on Green and dare the Rockets’ role players to beat them. That strategy worked in Game 1. It would likely work again.
What the Rockets Are Saying
Rockets coach Ime Udoka remained optimistic about Durant’s status, but acknowledged the uncertainty.
“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Udoka said. “He’s a tough guy. He wants to play. But we’re not going to put him in a position where he could make things worse.”
Jabari Smith Jr., who recently called out Durant and his teammates, said the team is preparing for both scenarios.
“We hope he plays,” Smith said. “But if he doesn’t, we have to be ready. We have to step up. We have no excuses.”
The Lakers’ Perspective: Stay the Course
The Lakers are not changing their game plan based on Durant’s status. They will continue to trap him if he plays. They will continue to attack him if he is limited.
LeBron James, who has been brilliant in the series, said the Lakers are focused on themselves.
“We don’t control who plays for them,” James said. “We control what we do. We’ve been locked in. We’ll be ready for whatever.”
The Verdict: A Massive Swing Game
Game 3 is the most important game of the series. If the Lakers win, they are all but guaranteed to advance. If the Rockets win, they are back in it.
Durant’s status will be the defining story. If he plays, the Rockets have a chance. If he sits, they are likely finished.
The basketball world will be watching. And the Rockets’ season hangs in the balance.
Durant is listed as questionable. The decision will be made Friday.
And regardless of the outcome, Game 3 will be must-watch television.