NBA: Kevin Durant withdrew from the game twice due to Covid-19 protocols

The two-time champion, who usually owns the Nets, was removed of the starting lineup to face the Toronto Raptors after someone with whom Durant interacted in the afternoon had an inconclusive result in the Covid-19 test just before the game.

It was withheld while the result was being analyzed, according to the NBA website.

Later in the game, Durant’s close contact tested positive. The 32-year-old was told in the third period that he should leave the game and was seen throwing a bottle of water in frustration as he walked towards the locker room.

With the uncertainty surrounding Durant’s status disrupting the game, the Nets fought for consistency against the Raptors, dropping 123-117.

And after the defeat, Nets coach Steve Nash suggested that the constantly changing situation involving Durant would affect his own judgment, which in turn hurt his team.

“I was probably a little distracted thinking about what this means in the long run for our team … But this is how it will be this year. it will be similar for everyone, so we just have to try to adapt and be able to recover from small setbacks like this. “

It was Durant’s first appearance as a reserve in his 867 NBA games. He had already tested positive for the coronavirus in March and has already lost three games this season because of Covid-19 protocols.

Durant’s teammate James Harden – who recently joined the team after his sales success with the Houston Rockets – expressed his frustration at the situation.

“It’s kind of overwhelming, especially when we’re in the middle of a tough game, and those games are going to add up, especially if we talk about the playoff rankings.”

The Nets, who now have a record of 14-10, were cleared to travel to Philadelphia for the game against the 76ers on Saturday.