After missing the past week due to COVID-19 protocols, Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant returned to action Saturday night against his former Golden State Warriors team.
In a game that saw Durant not miss a beat, Brooklyn came out on top by the score of 134-117 in San Francisco. Durant dropped 20 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out six assists. Unfortunately, the NBA MVP candidate will now miss some time due to an injury.
Related: NBA MVP Race 2022-23 – Luka Doncic seen as early favorite
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant sidelined at least two games with hamstring injury
“Kevin Durant will miss at least the next two games with a left hamstring strain, the Nets say,” ESPN’s Malika Andrews noted Sunday evening.
After missing all of last season due to an Achilles injury he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant has remained relatively healthy throughout the 2020-21 campaign. He has missed nine games, but that’s due to the league’s COVID-19 protocols.
Despite the fact that he still boasts antibodies after contracting the virus last year, Durant has found himself on sidelined to COVID protocols twice this season.
When he’s on the court, the two-time NBA Finals MVP has been absolutely tremendous. Durant, 32, is averaging 29.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 52% shooting from the field in his first 19 games as a member of the Nets. Brooklyn is 12-7 in those 19 games and 4-5 when Durant is sidelined.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Nets, check out #BrooklynTogether rumors, rankings, and news here
With Kevin Durant out at least the next two games, Brooklyn will have to give it a go against the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns as they continue their west coast trip.
The hope here is that KD will be back for Thursday’s huge game against LeBron James and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. However, there’s every reason to believe Brooklyn will play it safe with Durant.