It's over! Durant out for Game 4! Reports suggest internal turmoil within the Rockets.

It's done, it's done~

Durant is absent from Game 4 due to a left ankle sprain with bone bruising, and is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks.

It might as well be announced that KD's playoff journey this year has ended.

The current Rockets, whether with or without Durant, cannot defeat the Lakers, currently trailing 0-3 in the series.

In these three playoff games, KD only played in Game 2 despite injury, logging 41 minutes with 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 9 turnovers.

The Rockets have their own version of Thibodeau; knowing Durant was injured and is a 37-year-old veteran, Udoka still allowed him to play extensively in Game 2, worsening his condition. During the regular season, Durant played 78 games, averaging 36.4 minutes per game with 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and a 52% shooting rate, totaling 2840 minutes of playtime, ranking second in the league.

It's worth noting that there are many conspiracy theories circulating, especially after Durant was not seen on the sidelines during Game 3 at the Rockets' home court, as follows:

Rockets reporter Gatlin: "What treatment takes 3 hours? He might have already given up on the team."

ESPN reporter McMenamin: "Is KD avoiding his teammates? Or are teammates not actively reaching out?"

......

However, according to爆料王Shams's sources,Durant has not disappeared; recently, he went to the Rockets training facility for rehabilitation sessions with team medical staff and participated in film analysis meetings and discussions.

Indeed, once losses occur, various issues emerge.

The media outlet The NBA Base, not shy about stirring controversy, highlighted a set of damning statistics: since the 22-23 season, every head coach Durant has played under has been fired mid-season or during the offseason, namely Nash (22-23 season), Vogel (23-24 season), and Budenholzer (24-25 season). So, Udoka?

Based on public opinion, there is widespread expectation that Udoka will step down as Rockets head coach.

This guy signed a long-term extension contract last summer offseason, a six-year deal worth approximately $66 million to $73.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid head coaches in the league today.