‘Very tough’: Rockets, Kevin Durant lament ill-timed playoff injuries

At the time, the Warriors were on the brink of playoff elimination — just as the Rockets are now — and Durant’s contractual status for the next season was unclear. Yet, he played nonetheless.

Durant said on numerous occasions that he knew the risk he was taking but played to help his team. Yet, some fans were skeptical when he was not on the bench during an overtime loss to the Lakers in Game 3.

On Sunday, Durant was ruled out for Game 4 after it was revealed that he suffered a bone bruise to his ankle, which could reportedly take weeks to heal.

“The bone bruise was the worst part about it,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said during his press conference before Game 4. “They did all the treatment and rehab and pushed out all of the swelling out, but the pain from the bone bruise is the main thing, and limited mobility.”

Udoka, who is in his third season with the Rockets, elaborated on Durant’s toughness and determination to return to the court. In the end, the team’s medical staff had to do what was best for the player and the organization.

“Talking to him about it, it is tough when you have played the amount of games he has this year,” Udoka said. “It is unfortunate for us that he is missing this time of year (playoffs). 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.”

The Rockets are facing potential elimination, down 3-0 to the Lakers, and are hoping not to get swept in front of their home crowd on Sunday night. With a win, Houston would force a Game 5 back in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

More: Kevin Durant remains sidelined as Rockets face potential playoff elimination

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: ‘Very tough’: Rockets, Kevin Durant lament ill-timed playoff injuries