Nets superstar Kevin Durant was sent to the bench midway through the 3rd quarter of their game against the Toronto Raptors tonight.
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The Nets star is having the best comeback by an NBA player from an Achilles injury ever. Coming into this game, KD was averaging 30.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He was doing this on 53% shooting from the floor and 45% from the 3-point line.
It’s been a roller-coaster ride of a season for the Nets so far. After winning their first 2 games by commanding margins, they succumbed to records below .500 thrice. Spencer Dinwiddie is effectively ruled out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
They traded for James Harden in mid-January after realizing that they’d need the star power. They had to send Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince and Rodions Kurucs the other way, in addition to 4 first round picks.
Kevin Durant ruled out of return to Raptors vs Nets tonight, reacts predictably
KD started the first game of his life from the bench after he was told that he was being placed under Covid protocol. Apparently, someone in the Nets organization had contracted the coronavirus. They were in touch with the 4-time scoring champion, which is why he was prevented from taking the floor.
Kevin Durant will not be available to begin tonight’s game due to health and safety protocols, the team says. A team source said they are awaiting further updates to see if he may be available later in the game.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) February 6, 2021
He was later allowed to enter the game. In his 19 minutes on the floor, Kevin Durant had himself 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for a productive outing. He did also pick up 4 fouls. It was on a challenge for a call that would’ve gotten him his fifth that he was sent off the floor.
Kevin Durant is out for the remainder of the game due to health and safety protocols. After missing the beginning of the game and subsequently being cleared to play, Durant is unable to play at the direction of the league, a source told ESPN.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) February 6, 2021
Understandably, all this hoopla is frustrating KD to no end. He already contracted Covid last summer, and has been quarantined for a week this season. There is little that he can do in this situation, however.
Free me
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 6, 2021
The Nets eventually lost a winnable game 123-117.
