Kevin Durant leaves game early with thigh injury

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) holds his left leg as head coach Steve Nash assists him from the court during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Nets' Kevin Durant suffers thigh injury, exits in first quarter vs. Heat

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/18/21

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant exited Sunday's game against the Miami Heat in the first quarter with a left thigh contusion and did not return, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews.

Durant appeared to get tangled up with Miami's Trevor Ariza when he went to the basket for a layup. The 32-year-old was playing in his fifth game since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for almost two months.

Kevin Durant went back to the Nets locker room after suffering an apparent left leg injury. pic.twitter.com/CgCYni1bsU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 18, 2021

Durant has been one of Brooklyn's best players this season, averaging 28.1 points, seven rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 53.9% from the field and 45.4% from deep.

It's unclear if the four-time scoring champion will miss an extended period of time.

If Durant does miss time, it won't be a good sign for the Nets, who are also without James Harden, who is dealing with a hamstring strain. Brooklyn is second place in the Eastern Conference with a 38-18 record, but it'll be difficult for the team to eclipse the Philadelphia 76ers for the top spot without Durant available.

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