The injury news of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Andre Roberson and New Orleans Pelicans center DeMarcus Cousins reverberated throughout the Golden State Warriors locker room Saturday night.
Warriors forward Kevin Durant brought those sentiments to the forefront after the team’s 109-105 win against the Boston Celtics.
“Sickening man,” Durant said.
Roberson ruptured his left patellar tendon in the third quarter of the Thunder’s 121-108 win over the Detroit Pistons, while Cousins tore his Achilles tendon Wednesday night – knocking both players out for the season. Roberson’s injury, in particular, had a unique effect on Durant, as the two were teammates in Oklahoma City from 2013-2016.
“I see Dre is in the locker room. Somebody I spent so much time with and somebody I got to know and somebody I can call family,” Durant said. “It’s tough to see. You work so hard and he had a couple of nagging injuries he pushed through.”
“But I know his heart and I know his strength,” Durant continued. “I know he’ll have to continue to keep fighting and get better as quickly as possible.”
Durant then shared his affinity for Cousins, whom he played alongside in the 2016 Olympics as a member of Team USA, who went on to win the gold medal.
“Just being around him for the Olympics and seeing the type of person he is and his character and seeing how hard he works,” Durant said.
“We all love the game of basketball. It’s not life or death,” Durant added. “It’s something that we love. To have it taken away from you unexpectedly is tough. I’ve been there before. Just praying his mind stays right and he makes sure his body is right. I have no doubt those two will be back and playing soon hopefully.”
