In a recent revelation, NBA superstar Kevin Durant expressed that he has no hard feelings about Toronto Raptors fans cheering when he suffered a serious injury during the NBA Finals. Durant’s perspective on the incident, which took place during Game 5 of the 2019 finals, is a testament to his competitive spirit and understanding of the game’s dynamics. This article delves deeper into Durant’s views on the incident, his triumphant return to the game, and his ongoing career.

Durant’s Injury and Fans’ Reaction

During the NBA finals, Kevin Durant made a triumphant return after missing nine games due to a calf strain. His aim was to help pull off a series comeback for the Golden State Warriors against the Toronto Raptors. Despite the Raptors holding a comfortable series lead, Durant’s impressive performance with 11 points in the first quarter instilled a sense of worry among their fans. However, the tide turned early in the second quarter when Durant suffered a serious injury.

While attempting to get past Raptors forward Serge Ibaka, Durant fell to the ground, clutching his Achilles – a clear indication of a severe injury. The pain and frustration were evident on Durant’s face as he was helped off the court. In an unexpected turn, Raptors fans cheered when this injury occurred.

Durant’s Perspective on the Incident

Years after the incident, Durant opened up about it on the Unguarded podcast hosted by former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet. Rather than expressing resentment, Durant seemed to understand why the fans reacted the way they did.

“People ask me all the time how I feel about them cheering and sh*t,” Durant said. “It’s supposed to go down like that. That’s how good I am. Them first four minutes, the first four shots that I hit, I guarantee you everybody on our bench, everybody in that arena was like, ‘Damn, this might go seven.'”

VanVleet, who had spent seven seasons with the Raptors, also agreed that the fans’ reaction was a sign of respect. “It’s f*cked up in the moment, but it’s ultimately a sign of respect. Like, ‘alright, cool, we can breathe.’ Especially because you came out so hot,” he added.

Durant’s Comeback and Career Now

Despite the setback, Durant has made a strong comeback since the injury. Currently playing for the Houston Rockets at the age of 35, he is averaging 24.8 points, along with 4.6 rebounds and 4 assists through 21 games this season. On the other hand, the Raptors went on to win the series in six games, marking their first NBA title in franchise history.

Kevin Durant’s understanding and acceptance of the fans’ reaction show his love for the game and respect for his competitors. His resilience and determination in face of adversity serve as an inspiration to fans and fellow players alike.

Lead photo by Kyle Terada/Imagn Images

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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