Back to Oakland for Game 6 ...
bleacherreport.com
TORONTO — Every emotion on the spectrum surged through Scotiabank Arena on Monday, through every Warrior, every Raptor, every fan and probably all the ushers, too. Joy, anguish, anger, concern, confusion, shock, pain. All of it.
It's what we expect in an NBA Finals, when the stakes are the highest and nerves are at their most taut. But not like this. Never quite like this.
The Golden State Warriors won a game, kept their dynasty alive, denied the Toronto Raptors their moment of glory and yet left amid a fog of sorrow and regret.
Kevin Durant, arguably the world's best player, hobbled away on crutches with an Achilles injury that could threaten his career—or at a minimum, diminish his greatness. His teammates left in various states of despair, some choking back tears.
Warriors officials were left grappling with feelings of guilt, having allowed the two-time Finals MVP to play on an injured right calf that perhaps left him vulnerable to something far worse.
And everyone was left to ponder the complex ethics of player care in a league that strives to protect player welfare and still has moments like this.
"Sad day for the NBA," texted a team doctor with another franchise.
The severity of the injury won't be known until Durant undergoes an MRI on Tuesday. But team officials believe he tore his Achilles, according to ESPN.
The consequences could be far-reaching for all involved: for Durant, who was set to enter free agency July 1, with tens of millions at stake; for all the teams that dreamed of making Durant their new centerpiece; for the Warriors, whose hopes for a third straight title just grew dimmer; and for every member of the Warriors hierarchy and medical staff, whose reputations could be tarnished for allowing Durant to play. ... < snip rest. See full article at link above > <<
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- Eric L - |
