Kevin Durant has remained actively involved with the Houston Rockets during his injury absence, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, addressing speculation that surfaced during the team’s first-round playoff series.
Durant was not on the bench during Game 3, a development that drew widespread attention as Houston faced a must-win situation. The absence prompted questions about his status with the team.
“I think anytime there you have Kevin Durant on our team, there’s gonna be a lot of conjecture, just because he’s a lightning rod,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. “You think about guys like him, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, these are looked at as the greatest players this generation, and obviously Kevin Durant, whether it’s in Brooklyn and Phoenix and now in Houston, there’s always going to be chatter about how he does, how he fares, ever since he left Golden State,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show.
“But I reported yesterday he was at the Rockets facility. He was receiving treatment there. He’s working with the team’s medical staff. He had multiple team meetings over the course of the day. He was a part of all that. So, as far as I know, as far as I’ve reported, he has been 100% a member of everything the Rockets are doing, at least off the board. He’s just not able to do much on the court right now.”
Kevin Durant Rumors Follow Game 3 Absence
GettyKevin Durant remains involved with the Rockets during his injury absence despite outside speculation.
Durant’s absence from the bench during Game 3 coincided with Houston trailing in the series, increasing scrutiny.
“I still don’t understand why KD wasn’t with his team for Game 3,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons wrote after Game 3. “He’s won 2 playoff series since 2019 and his team was down 0-2 in a must-win game… he’s just MIA? What’s the actual story here?”
The lack of immediate clarity contributed to speculation surrounding Durant’s role and presence during the series.
Kevin Durant Injury Timeline Impacts Rockets
Durant’s availability has been affected by multiple injuries.
He missed Game 1 with a bruised right knee, returned in Game 2 with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting along with six rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal in 41 minutes, but also committed a career playoff-high nine turnovers. He was then ruled out again ahead of Game 3 with a sprained left ankle and swelling, which has continued to limit his mobility.
Durant averaged 26.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists during the regular season, missing just four games, making his absence a significant factor in the series.
Rockets Teammates Address Kevin Durant’s Situation
Rockets players have publicly addressed Durant’s role during the series.
After Game 2, forward Jabari Smith Jr. said:
“It’s on him to find ways to get himself involved and get to his spots without the double team. Just because he’s getting double teamed, we still need him to be KD. There’s still ways around it, and we got some fixes to that, and we’re gonna be better the next two games.”
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“It’s on him to find ways to get himself involved and get to his spots without
Following Durant’s absence on the bench in Game 3, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported another interesting comment from another Rockets teammate.
“Amen Thompson was asked how KD was feeling and he said, ‘To be honest with you, I don’t know.’ Whether that means KD has been doing all of his rehab away from the team or the team hasn’t been checking in on him, that’s another dynamic to look for,” McMenamin said.
“Amen Thompson was asked how KD was feeling and he said ‘To be honest with you, I don’t know.’ Whether that means KD has been doing all of his rehab away from the team or the team hasn’t been checking in
Durant Remains Engaged During Recovery
Charania’s report indicates Durant has continued participating in team activities while undergoing treatment.
He has remained at the team facility, worked with medical staff and attended meetings, but has not been able to return to game action.
Houston avoided elimination with a Game 4 victory but remains in a must-win position as the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 5.
Durant’s status remains central as the Rockets attempt to extend their postseason run. But in a separate report, Charania said the 37-year-old superstar is likely out.
Whether he’ll be on the bench again or not is another story waiting to unfold.
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