A night that was about basketball — and good basketball — for nearly three quarters suddenly focused on one thing in the waning moments of the quarter: Kevin Durant’s health.
After Ben Simmons blocked Jimmy Butler’s driving attempt to the hoop with just over a minute left until the final period of play, Butler stumbled and landed on Durant, making incidental — but significant — contact with his knee. Durant, holding his right knee, stayed on the floor, missing one of his shoes. Teammates surrounded him on the floor to make sure he was alright, and Kyrie Irving hopped off the bench to look after his friend.