Kevin Durant will not return for Rockets in Game 6
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Kevin Durant will miss Game 6 of the NBA playoff series between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers due to a bone bruise in his left ankle, marking his absence in five of six games so far.
- Durant’s injury, which requires a minimum two-week recovery, likely rules him out for a potential Game 7 as well.
- The Rockets secured a crucial Game 5 victory on the road without Durant, with strong performances from Jabari Smith Jr. and improved team offense and defense execution.
- Houston’s adjustments, including better half-court offense and patience from Alperen Sengun, have created a viable path for the team to potentially become the first NBA team to come back from a 0-3 series deficit.
- Austin Reaves contributed 22 points and six assists for the Lakers off the bench but struggled with shooting efficiency in the fourth quarter, highlighting a need for improved performance if the Lakers hope to avoid a historic series loss.
