Kevin Durant played a crucial role in Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton’s injury on Tuesday night. Middleton was forced to exit the game after just eight minutes played because of a concerning ankle injury. This was after the three-time All-Star landed on Durant’s foot following a 3-point attempt.
Milwaukee Bucks Lose Khris Middleton Vs. Suns
Middleton was unable to continue after leaving the game late in the first quarter. The Bucks wasted little time ruling out their start forward after the medical team diagnosed the extent of the injury.
After the game, head coach Doc Rivers revealed that initial x-rays were negative, which is obviously a positive development for Middleton and the Bucks.
Middleton’s issue now adds to a growing list of injuries for Milwaukee, who also did not have the services of Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez on Tuesday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo did all he could for the Bucks but ultimately, the Suns just proved too much to handle.
Phoenix secured a home win after a hard-fought battle, 114-106.
Kevin Durant Called Out on Twitter
Before anything else, here’s a look at the exact moment Middleton sprained his left ankle:
Kevin Durant just ended Khris Middleton’s career 😳 pic.twitter.com/5LcbujxTfX
— NBAĆentel (@TheNBACentel) February 7, 2024
Ouch.
Some fans on Twitter could not help but bring out the pitchforks on Kevin Durant for his alleged involvement in the injury. Apparently, more than a few supporters believe that there was some intention here from KD:
He’s so dirty but because he’ll go on Twitter and respond to some fans people forgive him 😭
— William Tyler (@TheMasterOfLuck) February 7, 2024
He should be suspended
— SmellyBucksFan (@SmellyBucksFan) February 7, 2024
Believe what you want but KD can’t trick me. He knew he wasn’t being carful with his feet. He knew what he was doing
— Ethan (@charliecorn56) February 7, 2024
To be fair, a lot of other fans pointed out that Durant’s foot stayed behind the 3-point line and that it was Middleton’s forward motion that led to the latter landing on KD’s foot.
Others, however, just had to bring out the Zaza Pachulia card on the Suns superstar:
pulled a zaza
— jordan (@jordan_rivs) February 7, 2024
NOT THE ZAZA
— cozyjack (@cozyjackk) February 7, 2024
i dont care what anyone says that is the zaza play
— wardenx (@orangestressbry) February 7, 2024
this gives me Zaza and Kawhi PTSD wtf https://t.co/MsFxd5Y59q
— Ian (Depressed Spurs Fan) (@iabguzman16) February 7, 2024
Did the exact same thing Zaza did to Kawhi when he was on the warriors smh 🤦🏽♂️ https://t.co/cxVGPzJgD4
— Beanie C-Gull⚡️ (@CGull_97) February 7, 2024
For those that require context, here is the highly controversial play the Twitter mob was referring to wherein Kawhi Leonard suffered a season-ending injury after landing on Zaza Pachulia’s foot:
#OTD in 2017, Kawhi Leonard gets injured after landing on Zaza Pachulia's foot.
This has to be one of the biggest "What If" moments in recent playoff history. 🤔pic.twitter.com/wZSTEmz0TG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 14, 2021
Do you see the similarity?
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