Since Game 3 of the first-round series between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the biggest questions from outsiders has been about how much Kevin Durant is involved with the team as he recovers from a setback.
After Durant was ruled out for Game 3 due to a sprained ankle, his absence from the bench as the game played out was notable. After the loss, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed that Durant was going through a recovery process at the time.
When Durant was ruled out for Game 4 at home, he was back on the bench in street clothes. Then, when the Rockets returned to practice on Tuesday after their first win of the series, multiple Rockets players spoke about Durant and his message to the team.
Multiple Rockets Speak On Durant’s Impact Before Game 5
When Jabari Smith Jr. caught up with reporters following Tuesday’s session, he revealed Durant’s message to the team lately: Just stay with it. Be us, be aggressive, play free,” Houston Chronicle’s Varun Shankar reports.
The All-Star Alperen Sengun revealed the mood around Durant: “He’s been there for us. It’s important. Talking to us on the bench, giving us some motivation. Good seeing him out there,” said Sengun.
Durant spent his Tuesday doing some off-court work to help with the recovery of his ankle. Reports from insiders leading up to Game 5, which takes place on Wednesday, have suggested that Durant is unlikely to play.
However, Ime Udoka would not confirm that much after practice. As of Tuesday afternoon, the star forward’s status is still up in the air.
This season, Durant was brought to the Rockets to help them get over their playoff woes from last year. The veteran forward managed to see the court for 78 games. He produced 26.0 points per game, while shooting 52.0% from the field. He also posted averages of 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Unfortunately, the untimely setbacks have allowed Durant to play in just one game. Now, they are 1-3, facing elimination on Wednesday.