Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant had a healthier season this year, playing more games than he has since his Achilles injury in 2019.
In the past two years, Durant had been sidelined by MCL injuries caused by opponents and teammates flopping into his legs. However, this season, he managed to play 75 games, the most since the 2018-19 season with the Golden State Warriors.
Durant expressed gratitude for not experiencing any major injuries this season and credited staying away from players who try to sell calls and intentionally hurt others.
Kevin Durant says staying away from floppers and ‘crash dummies’ is the reason why he stayed healthy this season
“No players flopped into my legs this year. Last two years, I had my teammate flop into me and an opponent flop into me two straight years that caused me to get MCL… pic.twitter.com/oIjWKqRd7Q
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2024
He enters the postseason feeling solid and hopeful to continue playing without significant health setbacks. In previous seasons, he suffered a knee injury caused by a teammate and a right knee injury caused by an opponent.
Durant praised the Suns’ training staff for their efforts in keeping him healthy. This season, he only missed a few games due to minor injuries such as hamstring soreness, ankle sprain, and foot soreness.
Durant emphasized the importance of avoiding floppers and expressed his commitment to maintaining a free mind and avoiding thinking about injuries while playing.
The NBA and NBPA have agreed to a 65-game rule for eligibility in major postseason awards as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This includes awards such as MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defense, or Most Improved Player.
Kevin Durant, who has struggled with injuries in previous seasons, has played 75 games this season, surpassing his previous limits.
Other players, like 7-footer Jusuf Nurkic, believe players are extending their careers due to advancements in sports medicine. Despite battling a right ankle sprain, Nurkic has played 76 games for the Phoenix Suns this season, contributing to the team’s chemistry.
Nurkic emphasizes the importance of being available for the team and wishes everyone could have the same opportunity.
Fans reacted as follows.
Dawg. KD my guy but dude … you literally missed weeks of basketball because of this pic.twitter.com/mSyRxCsBZD
— Rick Gellato (@46rickyg) April 15, 2024
LeFlop is not pleased with this comment. pic.twitter.com/y0VUmlBIBg
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) April 15, 2024
KD has always stayed in his lane.
He’ll be back in Seattle in no time. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/gfl26J5tGg
— SonicsMuse (@SonicsMuse) April 15, 2024
We all know who he’s talking about pic.twitter.com/TcWtp1jDOk
— AI Knows Ball (@aiKnowsBall) April 15, 2024
hes talking about embiid
— desire (@dgsire) April 15, 2024
One of ems gotta be the guy who dove into Ausar Thompsons legs
At least nba officials know that no call was wrong
— Analleline (@analleline) April 15, 2024
I’m sure it had nothing to do with teams getting fine for load management.
— B.B. Bundy (@BB_Bundy) April 15, 2024
It’s funny that he knows who those player are.
… well not really funny but it’s worth noting who those players are.
— Delbeezee 🐍 (@delbeezee) April 15, 2024
lol bros gonna get bounced
— NoahMuse (@JoakimMuse) April 15, 2024
Owned Embiid and Lillard 😹😭
— TatumsWrld (@WrldOfTatum) April 15, 2024
Reminds me of somebody @JoelEmbiid pic.twitter.com/gNYS2kK5uU
— Bert_940 (@Beetx5) April 15, 2024
He smart for this 😂😂😂😂😂
— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) April 15, 2024
Please teach @JoelEmbiid how to do this
— Matt 🌴🐊🍕 (@mattsgoodtweets) April 15, 2024
Josh Hart Was flopping all over Jimmy! He ruined his amazing run! You and look at the numbers before and after that terrible flop!!!
— KarateRota (@KarateRota) April 15, 2024
Glad your healthy cuz now I get to watch you get beaten and humiliated in the playoffs
— 𝘓𝘦𝘉𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴⁶ (@LeGonechitis) April 15, 2024
He’s literally changed his game to avoid this shit happening. Pulls up in the lanes instead of going all the way to the basket, etc.
— Jason G (@jasonmgood) April 15, 2024
Have to clean up the flopping because it endangers other players.
Danny Green’s career basically ended on a flop by a teammate. pic.twitter.com/KzG5mrPVlp
— Scott (@greedisgood70) April 15, 2024
