‘Very tough’: Rockets, Kevin Durant lament ill-timed playoff injuries
Ime Udoka on Kevin Durant: “It’s tough for a guy that wants to play and plays as much as he does. To be out at this point of the season is very tough.”
One thing that should never be in question is Kevin Durant’s will, grit, and determination to play basketball. For the veteran Houston Rockets forward, who led his team in scoring this season, it is his life. It is his profession.
Now 37 years old and still a perennial NBA All-Star, he does anything and everything to be on the court at all times. And when he is away from the hardwood, there is a safe bet for what he’s doing. That’s watching and studying the game.
In his 19th NBA season, Durant was an iron man during the regular season, playing 2,840 minutes (36. 4 per game) in 78 games while missing only one due to injury. The only Rockets player to play more than Durant was Amen Thompson, who is 14 years younger.
Yet, in the 2026 Western Conference playoffs, fate has intervened. After suffering a knee contusion to his right leg and an ankle sprain to his left leg , forcing absences in two of Houston’s initial three playoff games versus the Los Angeles Lakers , Durant underwent extensive treatment this weekend at team facilities to try and return and help his teammates in Sunday’s Game 4. With that in mind, it was puzzling to see some fans and even media members question Durant’s motivations .