2019 NBA Finals -- After successful surgery, Durant faces long road to recovery
By Ponciano Melo Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Jun 2019
OAKLAND -- As rumors swirled on the extent of the lower leg injury he sustained in the second quarter of Game 5 last Tuesday, Kevin Durant turned to Instagram to set the record straight.
"I did rupture my Achilles. Surgery was today and it was a success," the Golden State Warriors superstar announced and posted a photo of himself at a hospital bed in the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in New York where he is presently recuperating.
There is no definite timetable for the return of the two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, but Dr. Alan Beyer, an orthopedic surgeon, told reporters that the entire process could take between eight to 12 months.
"My road to recovery starts now! I got my family and loved ones by my side and we truly appreciate all the messages and support people have sent our way. Like I said Monday, I'm hurting deeply but I'm OK. Basketball is my biggest love and I wanted to out there that night because that's what I do. I wanted to help my teammates on our quest for a three-peat," Durant added.
Kevin Durant loses the ball after Monday's injury.
Durant is helped out of the Arena after the injury.
Durant was already nursing a calf strain when he ruptured his Achilles as he attempted to blow by Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka. After plating his feet for a rapid burst, Durant's right leg buckled under the strain and he immediately crumpled on the floor of the Scotiabank Arena.
Meanwhile, the 2019 NBA Finals resumes Friday morning (Philippine time) with Game 6 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland where the Warriors hope to force a Game 7 against the Raptors, who are eyeing their first-ever NBA title.
Game 7, if necessary, is Monday morning at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ponciano Melo Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
Thu, 21 May 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
Thu, 21 May 2026Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 21 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
Thu, 21 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
By Eric Armit, Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 2026Filipino grabs second place in the National Canada Chess Challenge 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 20260 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
Wed, 20 May 2026CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
Wed, 20 May 2026BOXING LEGEND DARREN BARKER ANNOUNCES 'THE LONGEST ROUND' – A WORLD-FIRST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 20 May 2026IBA stands ready to organise Jon Jones professional boxing fight in Russia
Wed, 20 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Eight More Wins on Day Two at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 20 May 2026QC ends PCAP Season 6 All-Filipino conference campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026