Kevin Durant Cleared for Game 2 and the Rockets' Offense Just Got a Major Boost Back

Kevin Durant is back in the lineup. After sitting out Game 1 with a knee tendon bruise he picked up in Wednesday's practice, the Houston Rockets star has been cleared to play in Game 2 against the Lakers, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. And this is huge for Houston, because their offense looked broken without him.

The Rockets Needed Their Biggest Weapon

Let's be real: Game 1 was ugly. The Rockets lost 107-98 to L.A. despite taking 27 more shots than the Lakers. They couldn't buy a bucket, shooting less than 40% from the field. That's what happens when your star player who averaged a team-high 26 points per game during the regular season is sitting in street clothes. Durant's presence changes everything on the offensive end, and Houston's Game 1 performance proved it.

No Minutes Restriction, But There's Still a Concern

Here's the good news: if Durant plays, he won't be limited on minutes. Coach Ime Udoka said he's good to go for a full load. But Udoka also mentioned Monday that mobility is still the biggest lingering issue. "The pain tolerance is one thing, but actually moving and feeling comfortable doing all the movements is going to be the biggest thing," Udoka said. Durant was getting shots up shortly before Game 2, which is a positive sign. At 37 years old, the Rockets need him healthy and mobile to make a real run here.

Game 2 tips off soon. With Durant back in the lineup, the Rockets have a chance to even this series up and show that Game 1 wasn't a sign of things to come.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.