Kevin Durant out (calf) for Game 3 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
By John Buhler
The Golden State Warriors will hold small forward Kevin Durant out for Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night due to a calf injury.
It won’t be just head coach Steve Kerr that won’t be taking part in the Golden State Warriors’ Game 3 on Saturday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State starting small forward Kevin Durant will be held out of Saturday night’s game on a precautionary basis surrounding an injured calf.
ESPN’s Marc Stein reported Golden State’s intentions to keep Durant sidelined for Game 3. While winning in Portland is never an easy thing for even great NBA teams, this is Golden State we’re talking about. The Warriors will be alright without Durant suiting up in Game 3.
Golden State still has three All-Stars starting in its Game 3 lineup: point guard Stephen Curry, shooting guard Klay Thompson and power forward/center Draymond Green. Even Kerr’s replacement isn’t a slouch. Golden State top assistant Mike Brown is an elite defensive coach, best known as being LeBron James’ head coach during his first tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Warriors have decided to hold Kevin Durant (calf) out of Game 3 in Portland, league sources say, so no Durant or Steve Kerr tonight.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 23, 2017
While Golden State will want to sweep Portland in their first-round series, the Warriors can afford to drop a game on the road at the Moda Center in Portland and it won’t be a big deal. The Trail Blazers have an elite backcourt duo in point guard Damian Lillard and shooting guard CJ McCollum. They could go off like the did in Game 1 and give Portland a much-needed victory in Game 3. If they give a Game 2 effort, well, probably not.
Golden State can win any game it wants to in the first two rounds of the Western Conference Playoffs. It would be beyond shocking for Portland, the Los Angeles Clippers or the Utah Jazz to upset Golden State in the first two series.
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Having a well-rested and healthy Durant for the Western Conference Finals and the NBA Finals is of utmost importance. It’s not like Curry, Green and Thompson haven’t won games as a trio before without Kerr.