Kevin Durant ignites excitement across Rockets nation

Kevin Durant ignites excitement across Rockets nation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kevin Durant is back in the gym and is making his mark.

Just an hour after NBA analyst Shams Charania dropped a concerning update regarding the forward's availability for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Rockets reporter Vanessa Richardson shared footage of Durant working out in a gym.

In the video, Durant can be seen getting his shots up. Though it was without any defense or contact, he was getting into his spot and shooting his trademark mid-range shot and making it fall.

The video was posted Monday evening, just one day before Game 2 of the first round NBA playoffs matchup.

Durant missed Game 1 due to a right knee contusion. He bumped knees with a teammate during Wednesday's practice, causing pain and tenderness. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said Durant was facing discomfort while bending his knees. While the medical imaging showed no structural damage, his knees were too sore to play.

In his absence, the Rockets were handed a tough loss by the Lakers, who were also without their superstar guard Luka Doncic. Had it not been for Durant's injury, the Rockets would have fancied their chances of beating the Lakers instead.

More: What Kevin Durant missing Game 1 really means for Rockets-Lakers series and his future

Shams Charania not so convinced with Rockets optimism for Kevin Durant's return