Kevin Durant leaves crucial Game 5 with leg injury

Kevin Durant has been carrying the Warriors offense in the playoffs but he left Game 5 with what might be a serious lower leg injury.

Durant has been the single most important player to the Warriors’ offense in these playoffs, particularly in helping Golden State overcome a serious of uncharacteristically shaky shooting performances. Through the first four games of this series, Durant was averaging 36.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 48.0 percent from the 3-point line.

But with one misstep the Warriors may not be able to count on him, in the same way, moving forward. Late in the third quarter, Durant took an open shot from the baseline and then pulled up as he turned to run up court. It was a non-contact injury, but Durant popped up staring at his lower right leg and began limping towards the sideline.

It looked like it might have been an Achilles’ injury but early in the fourth quarter, it was reported that Durant was dealing with a right calf strain and would not return. That information sounded much less serious than an Achilles’ injury but the fact he didn’t return, and the response in the arena left the impression that it may still be serious.

Durant left the game with 22 points on 18 shots, in a tight game that has held into the fourth quarter. If Houston were to pull off the road win, they’d have a chance to finish Golden State at home on Friday evening.

The Warriors are already playing without DeMarcus Cousins who suffered a freak non-contract torn quad muscle early in the first round. Here’s hoping that Durant’s injury is not that serious and allows him to continue making an impact in this series.