Kevin Porter Jr. is far from 100 percent. But his love for basketball made it impossible to miss another game.
"It's the passion and the love I have for the game," Porter said. "Since I've been away, I've done everything possible to get back on the court. This is the best I can get, and I am going to play through it."
Porter made his long-awaited return Wednesday night during the Houston Rockets' 113-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished the night with 11 points (3-11 FG, 2-5 3PT), five rebounds and two assists.
It was his first game since Jan. 11, the night he sustained a left toe contusion against the Sacramento Kings inside the Golden 1 Center.
Porter said the initial diagnosis revealed his injury wasn't too severe. His recovery was supposed to take no longer than a week. But as time went on, his toe became more severe due to the continuous pain. Porter's injury halted his season for six weeks, which sidelined him for 20 games.
Coach Stephen Silas was pleased to see his starting point guard back while acknowledging Porter's toe will be a "little problematic" through the final 20 games. Silas revealed Porter had a moment he trailed behind an offensive possession due to some minor discomfort.
"Through the last few games of the season, there will be some tolerable pain, but this is the best I can get it," Porter said. "I just want to play."
Porter's injury came at the most inconvenient time. He was in the middle of his best career stretch, averaging 22.8 points on 49.2 percent shooting, 42.3 percent from deep, 6.4 assists and 5.9 rebounds in the eight games before his injury.
His best performance of the season came on Dec. 26 when he led the Rockets to a 15-point victory over the Chicago Bulls. Porter scored a season-best 36 points in the win.
Although he was "antsy" to rejoin his teammates, Silas said Porter's spirit remained high during his absence.
"It's been a long time since we had the whole group together," Silas said. "There are going to be moments where he may have to come out and then go back in. But It is good to have him back out there."
As Porter returns to the lineup, his top priority is to help the Rockets win as many games as possible. His mindset coincides with several of his teammates. The priority of winning would help the team lay the groundwork entering the off-season, which could help enhance the Rockets for the upcoming season.
"Everyone knows what's been going on this season," Porter said. "We've been staying together in the locker room and the organization. These last 20 games are extremely important."
Porter acknowledged his toe may not get 100 percent healed until the off-season. But in the meantime, he will utilize rest and treatment to keep his season from ending prematurely.
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