Warriors F Durant undergoes surgery for ruptured Achilles

Kevin Durant confirmed via Instagram on Wednesday that he ruptured his Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday and that he already underwent surgery in New York to repair the injury. Durant posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed that appeared to be post-surgery. He remained upbeat despite the on-court setback in advance of his potential free agency next month.

He has the option to pursue a contract with a new team or opt in on a $31.5 million contract with the Warriors for the 2019-20 season. "What's good everybody I wanted to update you all: I did rupture my Achilles. Surgery was today and it was a success, EASY MONEY." Durant wrote on social media. "My road back starts now! I got my family and my loved ones by my side and we truly appreciate all the messages and support people have sent our way."

Durant also seemed to address criticism of the team that he even played in Monday's game after he missed nine games with a strained right calf. "Basketball is my biggest love and I wanted to be out there that night because that's what I do. I wanted to help my teammates on our quest for the three peat," Durant wrote. "Its just the way things go in this game and I'm proud that I gave it all I physically could, and I'm proud my brothers got the W."

The Warriors defeated the Raptors 106-105 at Toronto to force a Game 6 on Thursday at Oakland, Calif. The Raptors lead the best-of-seven series by a 3-2 count. Durant averaged 26 points per game, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game over 78 contests during the regular season. He scored 32.3 points and had 4.9 rebounds with 4.5 assists in 12 playoff games, including 11 points in 12 minutes of Game 5.

Durant can opt out of his Warriors contract for next season and become a free agent, although he is expected to miss significant time next season as he recovers from his surgery Wednesday. Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the decision to play Durant in Game 5.

"Would we go back and do it over again? Damn right," Kerr said, prefacing that the decision was made on the advice of doctors. "Our feeling was the worst thing that could happen would be a re-injury of the calf - so the Achilles came as a complete shock."

--Field Level Media

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