The Warriors have been on a tear since star forward Kevin Durant suffered a calf injury against the Rockets in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. But that doesn’t make his return any less anticipated.
The combination of Durant’s departure and a scintillating performance by Golden State — led by versatile forward Draymond Green and guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson — has left some wondering if the Warriors need Durant at all.
Durant is arguably the best player in the NBA. He may leave as a free agent after the season, which likely fuels the notion that the Warriors don’t need him. But Durant is still working to get back on the court.
He’s not there just yet, and he’s walking with a slight limp, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
For now, it’s strictly weight room work Durant, who told Slater:
I’m just taking it a second at a time. Everything we do in the weight room, I just try to focus on that rep, not try to think too far down the line. I’m leaving it in the hands of the team doctors.
Durant added that his calf strain is worse than similar injuries he’s had before, and there is no timetable for his return.
The Warriors are thriving without Durant, but with him, they’re nearly unbeatable. Just one loss to either the Raptors or Bucks in the NBA Finals would remind everyone of that and flip the current narrative upside down. Golden State certainly hopes the entire core of the team, Durant included, is present for the final step of its quest for a third consecutive NBA title.
