Shams Charania highlights why Kevin Durant’s latest injury setback doesn’t seem serious
Kevin Durant may have escaped a long-term absence from the court following his latest injury setback. KD suffered a knee injury towards the end of the third quarter of the Brooklyn Nets' 102-101 win over the Miami Heat. Jimmy Butler accidentally fell on Durant's knee while attempting to grab a rebound.
The Athletics' Shams Charania believes there is optimism that he could be back sooner. Charania compared Durant's injury to the MCL sprain the Nets superstar sustained a year ago, which sidelined him for six weeks.
Brooklyn's season went into a downward spiral as they fell into the play-in tournament bracket after ranking among the top three teams in the Eastern Conference before that. However, Charania's latest explanation for KD's injury could be relieving news for Brooklyn fans. Here's what he said during an appearance on Fan Duel TV:
"I think the one optimistic sign that occurred last night... Was he ran up the court, ran back down the court, had a couple of defensive slides and then he realized something was off with his knee."
Charania added:
"He did not move around like that last year. So that's the one sign that this potentially this is not as serious or significant of an absence as last year when he missed about six weeks with a MCL sprain. The Nets are gonna be hopeful that he’s gonna be able to make it back sooner rather than later."
“The Nets are gonna be hopeful that he’s gonna be able to make it back sooner rather than later…”
@ShamsCharania on Kevin Durant’s knee injury
#RunItBack | FanDuel.com/TV https://t.co/drUFCq8v53
Kevin Durant has managed to stay healthy for most of the season this year. He didn't look awkward after the collision on Sunday, so these are encouraging signs for the Brooklyn Nets.
Kyrie Irving says Kevin Durant was in good spirits after suffering knee injury
Kyrie Irving spoke to Kevin Durant after the Brooklyn Nets-Miami Heat game and said the latter was in good spirits, despite his latest injury. The signs seem encouraging so far for the Nets, as they can have their best player back sooner, considering what Irving had to say and Shams Charania's assessment of his injury from last year compared to now.
“Yeah he’s in good spirits, as we all are. The strength of our team is us picking each other up and just being ready for whatever is thrown at us.”
-Kyrie Irving when asked if he had a chance to talk to Kevin (Durant)
Durant has averaged 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 56/38/93 splits. Durant played a crucial role in the team's turnaround over the last two months under new coach Jacque Vaughn.
The Nets have held a league-best 25-8 record since Vaughn took over the head coaching role following former coach Steve Nash's dismissal. Brooklyn has performed well as a team, and they could get through the next few games in Kevin Durant's absence.
However, his leadership and production remain irreplaceable. The Brooklyn Nets will be hoping the injury doesn't keep him out for too long, as they will be keen to continue their solid run entering the All-Star break.