Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant returned Monday night for his team’s do-or-die Game 5 against the Raptors, but was forced to leave the game in the second quarter with an Achilles injury. The Warriors went on to extend the series with a one-point win, and the Finals will continue with Game 6 in Oracle Arena on Thursday.
Durant wrote on Instagram that he was “hurting deep in the soul” after Game 5, and NBA players from around the league paid tribute to Durant on social media.
Some fans had questioned Durant’s desire to play after he was not available for the first four games of the season, but he proved on Monday that he’s willing to to whatever it takes to help his team win a ring. On Tuesday, Durant’s mother sent a message to his critics on Twitter, writing that he has the “heart of a true Warrior.”
