Yesterday, the Brooklyn Nets played against the Miami Heat and one of the worst things, in what seems to be a recurring thing happened. NBA superstar Kevin Durant was injured, yet again. With about a minute to go in a two-point game, Heat forward Jimmy Butler drove to the hoop. Nets forward Ben Simmons stepped up to block Butler’s shot attempt, but as Butler came down, he landed on Durant’s right leg.
This caused the 13-time NBA All-Star’s knee to buckle as he hit the floor with his shoe coming off. He grabbed his knee and stayed there for a bit. Thirty seconds later, he was subbed out. He stopped at the scorer’s table for a few seconds hunching over before heading to the locker room.
MCL Sprain
According to the Nets staff, Durant suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee. Ultimately, the Nets can have their superstar forward back in six weeks, but they will re-evaluate his progress in two weeks. This is good news for Brooklyn compared to Durant’s injuries from 2019-2021.
In Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, after sustaining a right calf strain in the Western Conference semifinals, Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon while with the Golden State Warriors. During that offseason, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets and opted to sit out the whole upcoming season because of his recent injury. In 2020, he missed 23 games due to a hamstring injury. Last season, the 2014 NBA MVP missed 21 games due to an MCL sprain in his left knee. It seems like Durant can’t catch a break! And, neither can the Nets.
Kyrie’s Up
It’s clear they believe Kevin Durant is their ticket to the NBA Finals. Although, without the two-time NBA Finals MVP for the remainder of the game, the Nets were able to pull out a one-point victory over Miami, 102-101. Joe Tsai and the Nets front office will lean on their other superstar, Kyrie Irving, to keep their winning ways while Durant is out. After the game, Irving spoke about his teammate’s injury stating that they have to move forward without any excuses.
Written by Brandon Simmons
