NBA playoffs: Kevin Durant hurt and more
The Golden State Warriors might be without Kevin Durant for Game 2 of their Western Conference quarterfinal against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Durant, who was able to play in a tougher-than-expected Game 1 win over the weekend, injured his calf and might need a few extra days to recover, according to ESPN. This would not be the first time Golden State has to play without Durant. He was gone for large chunks of March and April with a knee injury, ultimately missing 19 contests. Some would argue that the Warriors are actually a better team with Durant sidelined, although that would seem folly. In the games missed by Durant, Golden State was 15-4, which is actually a bit lower in terms of winning percentage that usual.
All that said, the Warriors should not be concerned. While Portland has a pair of excellent guards in Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, the Blazers have little to no chance of pulling off this upset, let alone extending the series. If Durant needs a week or two to get his calf back to 100 percent, he should take it. The only series that matters for Golden State is the Western Conference Finals, when it likely meets up with the San Antonio Spurs.
Raptors survive Game 2
The Toronto Raptors were expected to roll past the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference quarters, but that has not been the case. After being blown out at the Air Canada Centre in Game 1, the Raptors faced a virtual must-win situation at home on Tuesday night.
Toronto responded, holding off the Bucks’ late charge at the end for a 106-100 win. The Raptors were able to ride the solid play of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, who combined to score 45 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. Serge Ibaka also brought a quality effort with 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a pair of blocks.
The Bucks, however, didn’t look like a team ready to go quietly. The series now shifts back to Milwaukee, where the Raptors will need to figure out a way to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak scored a game-high 24 points while snatching 15 rebounds. In the first affair, Antetokounmpo racked up 28 points in 38 minutes.
Cavaliers waking up?
The Cleveland Cavaliers are up 2-0 in their series with the overmatched Indiana Pacers, but there should be real concern. Cleveland won by the narrowest of margins in Game 1, and allowed 111 points on Monday evening. It’s good enough to beat the Pacers, who have Paul George and little else. Down the line, should they see the Warriors in the Finals, it might mean a quick defeat.
