Kevin Durant has received criticism for his recent injuries, but he played in 75 games this season – the most since his 2018-19 season with Golden State.
Durant attributes his healthier season to other players putting him in less danger.
“No players flopped into my legs this year,” Durant told AZ Central. “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 injuries. If it wasn’t for that, I probably would’ve been out there the same amount of games, but I’m glad nobody flopped into me. Had a couple of nagging injuries, but it was day-to-day type of stuff. I’m grateful for that.”
He also mentions that he’s now more cautious about avoiding certain players on the court.
“Just stay away from the crash dummies, you know,” he said. “The dudes who try to sell calls and don’t mind hurting people by diving on the floor trying to sell a call. I know who those guys are, and I try to stay away from them.”
Durant’s injury woes began in the 2019 Finals with an Achilles tear, followed by a teammate falling into his knee in 2022 and another player rolling into his leg in 2023, causing further injuries.
In his first full season with the Phoenix Suns, Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and five assists per game, shooting 52.3% from the field in his 16th season at 35 years old.
“I feel solid,” Durant said. “Solid as it’s going to feel at Game 75. I’m grateful I got the opportunity to keep playing throughout the season and not have too many bad injuries or long rehabs. Hopefully, it continues.”
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