Kevin Durant (knee) authorized to participate in Game 2
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has been authorized to return for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after being sidelined for Game 1 due to a knee tendon bruise, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Durant incurred the injury during practice on Wednesday. He was observed taking shots shortly before Game 2, and coach Ime Udoka indicated that Durant would not face any minutes restriction if he participates.
Udoka mentioned on Monday that Durant’s primary ongoing concern is his mobility.
“The pain tolerance is one aspect, but actually moving and feeling at ease with all the movements is going to be the most significant factor,” Udoka stated.
Durant, 37, recorded a team-leading average of 26 points per game throughout the regular season, and the Rockets evidently felt his absence in the 107-98 defeat to L.A. Houston managed to shoot below 40% from the field in that game and lost despite attempting 27 more shots than the Lakers.
