Durant is frustrated about missing Game 1! Udoka hopes he returns for Game 2: Rockets will endure two agonizing days of waiting

On April 19 Beijing time, the Rockets without Durant lost Game 1. According to reporter Amick, Durant himself was extremely frustrated about being unable to play in the first playoff game.

Amick reported that about two hours before the game, Durant tested his injured knee on the court. Even without a medical examination, it was clear that his injury was obvious, his condition poor, and his face full of pain.

According to on-site staff, the sudden injury left Durant deeply frustrated. He played 78 games in the regular season, known for playing through injuries and being resilient. Having to miss the playoff opener was clearly hard for him to accept.

During the team's training on Wednesday local time, he collided knees with a teammate. Initially hoping the injury wouldn't worsen, his movement became severely limited during the session, and the Rockets subsequently announced his absence for Game 1.

At the pre-game press conference, head coach Udoka hoped Durant could return for Game 2, saying, "Hopefully it's just a one-game absence." Udoka then detailed the injury: "It's mainly localized soreness and soft tissue sensitivity. Knee flexion and extension cause noticeable discomfort. There's no significant joint swelling; it's simply a hit in a very awkward spot. A regular knee bump could be played through, but this injury is right above the knee in the tendon area, causing severe soreness upon contact."

The key question now is: Will the two-day break between games be enough for Durant to recover timely and play in Game 2? Both his regular-season performance and this loss confirm one thing: This Rockets team heavily relies on Durant.

At 37 years old and in his 18th NBA season, Durant averaged 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season. Only five players in the entire league reached at least these three statistical thresholds (the others are Jaylen Brown, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo). Durant is undoubtedly the Rockets' top core. The Rockets finished the regular season strong with 9 wins in their last 10 games, securing the fifth seed in the West.

The trade to acquire Durant last offseason was aimed at boosting playoff prospects. However, in Game 1, the team's overall shooting percentage dropped to 37.6%, with only five players scoring double figures, showing a slump. The Rockets can only endure two agonizing days of waiting, hoping Durant returns soon to salvage the series situation.