Kevin Durant Reflects on the “Nerve-Racking” Moment He Thought His Career Was Almost Over
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Kevin Durant’s comeback to the NBA Finals was cut short due to a horrific injury. He had a calf injury in May and made a valiant recovery in Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors, only to tear his Achilles tendon in the second quarter. The injury sent shockwaves across the basketball world, with many criticizing the decision to allow Durant to play. Warriors coach Steve Kerr even expressed his sorrow about the choice, claiming if they knew about the consequences, they would not have permitted Durant to play.
However, they did and that injury had a lot of repercussions on Durant’s career as it not only terminated his season but also prompted concerns about his future in the league. So, looking back at that time, KD revealed what went on in his mind at that time.
Kevin Durant thought his basketball career was over
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Reminiscing about the 2019 finals injury, Kevin Durant spoke about it in an interview saying, “I heard a pop, so I’m like ‘Oh my gosh’. And my whole basketball career flashed in front of my eyes and I was like ‘This sh*t is over with.’Like I truly didn’t know what I’m bout to be and that a nerve-racking feeling, when you don’t know who you are. “
KD thought his career was over after he tore his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals.
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After that, Durant, who helped the Golden State Warriors win two consecutive NBA titles, underwent successful Achilles tendon surgery. And, the path to rehabilitation was very lengthy and difficult, with no guarantee of a complete return to his previous form. But despite the painful outcome, Durant got overwhelming support from fans, teammates, and the basketball community.
Even the General manager Bob Myers accepted responsibility for the incident, urging opponents to blame him rather than Durant or the medical personnel. That injury however not only affected the Warriors’ prospects in the Finals, but it also raised concerns about Durant’s future in the NBA. But, despite the early concerns about his injuries and his future in the NBA, Durant quickly regained his form and joined the Brooklyn Nets in July.
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So, through the 14x All-Stars journey, we see that due to his tenacity and determination, the end-of-the-world scenario he was fearing did not occur. And his quick comeback to form demonstrates his talent and strong work ethic, motivating others experiencing similar obstacles in their career.
Watch this Story: “SH*T Happens”: Kevin Durant Shuns Bad Luck for Suns After Bradley Beal Shocker
Edited by:
Bilal Handoo