Kevin Durant Injury Update: Game 3 Return 'Viable,' Says Sources

Golden State Warriors Durant — Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Draymond Green #23 and Andrew Bogut #12 after he dunked the ball against the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena on April 02, 2019 in Oakland, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors tied the 2019 NBA Finals series and it looks like Kevin Durant could be making a return in Game 3.

Game 1 of the Finals had a different story, though. The Raptors upset the Warriors in their first NBA Finals meeting last Thursday after Pascal Siakam, Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol teamed-up to limit the Warriors’ offense all throughout the game.

After the loss, Kevin Durant's return instantly became a hot topic. Durant has missed the last seven playoff games of the team due to a calf injury.

On Sunday, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told media that Durant can return to play for as long as he is cleared for five-on-five practice. This may happen even if Durant only practices once.

"It's feasible. But again, it's really a day-to-day thing," Kerr clarified.

The 10-time NBA All Star has been taking part in individual on-court activities, but has yet to fully take on contact workouts.

Yahoo! Sports' sources noted that a Game 3 return for Durant could be "viable," but Game 4 looks like a more logical option.

Steve Kerr says Kevin Durant still has yet to be cleared for full contact, but “feasible” he could play in a game after only one practice. Warriors next practice is Tuesday, the day before Game 3 and then Thursday, the day before Game 4.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 2, 2019

Raptors handed the Warriors their first loss without Durant during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. With the way the Warriors played, it is very quick to realize that the team badly needed Durant’s contribution.

Warriors scored a total of 109 points on a 51.3% field goal efficiency compared to Raptors second best-shooting postseason game averaging 59.1 effective field goal percentage.

Game 2 was a different story though as the Warriors successfully even the series with the help of Andre Iguodala and Stephen Curry. In the final seconds of the game, Iguodala hit a crucial 3-pointer to seal the win for the Warriors. Curry on his part, scored 23 points to help the Warriors into a 109-104 win.

Should Durant make a return next game, the narrative of the thus far tightly contested series will drastically change. The Dubs are off to two straight home games and could have Durant, Curry, and Klay Thompson carrying them to a 3-1 lead by the end of their Oracle run.