Following an Achilles tear, Kevin Durant believed his NBA career was “over.”
In Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant, a member of the Golden State Warriors, sustained a severe Achilles tendon injury that left him doubting his future in basketball.
Durant opened up about his post-injury turmoil in an honest interview with longtime agent and business partner Rich Kleiman for Bleacher Report’s “35 at 35” feature.
That’s when Durant said, “I realized, okay, I probably won’t go back to the Bay again.” “I heard a pop in front of 20,000 people, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and my entire basketball career just flashed before my eyes—everything I did, everything I thought about, all of my best and worst moments—all of it flashed.”
“And that’s the reason why, before someone came over to help me up, I was just sitting there staring into the crowd. I just think, “This sh– is over with,” for that reason. It’s nerve-wracking to not know who you are, and I genuinely have no idea what I’m about to become.
Durant remembered that moment he thought he might never play in the Bay Area again—the moment he felt his Achilles pop. As he lay on the court, overcome with the thought that his career might come to an end, Durant talked about how his basketball journey—both the rewarding and difficult times—flitted before his eyes.
As he recovered from a calf strain, Durant had scored in the minutes before the injury.
Prior to the injury, Durant—who was recovering from a calf strain—scored 11 points in the opening quarter, giving the Warriors hope that they could win the series against the Toronto Raptors.
But early in the second quarter, Durant stumbled while trying to drive past Serge Ibaka of the Raptors, ending his Warriors career. Even though the Warriors prevailed in that game, Klay Thompson’s injury in Game 6 ended their hopes, and the Raptors went on to win the series 4-2 in the decisive game at Oracle Arena.
Achilles tears are notoriously difficult to heal, especially for athletes who depend on quick movements. Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets after departing the Warriors in a highly contentious move, and he missed the entire 2019–20 season recovering.
Durant’s tenacity and commitment to his recovery have paid off. He has been an All-Star since he got back on the court, and he has been successful with the Nets and later the Phoenix Suns, demonstrating his unwavering determination and status as one of the best basketball players in the league.
