MY ACCOUNT
Kevin Durant was absent from the NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland on Sunday night after the death of his grandmother.
Although injured, the 33-year-old Durant had been due to be present as the non-playing captain of Team Durant against LeBron James’ Team LeBron.
The Brooklyn Nets superstar was also set to be feted in a ceremony along with fellow members of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, the players voted the greatest in the league’s history.
Durant’s mother, Wanda, announced the family’s loss earlier on Sunday.
Wanda Durant wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that we share with family and friends that our Dear Sweet Mama, BARBARA A. Davis, transitioned early this morning.”
The NBA sent its condolences to Durant’s family, stating on Instagram: “The NBA family mourns the loss of Barbara A. Davis.”
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell also pulled out of the game, having fallen ill.
Mitchell had been on the Team LeBron roster, and said: “It is a great honour and has always been a dream of mine to be selected as an NBA All-Star. Remorsefully, I will not be able to play in tonight’s All-Star Game due to an upper respiratory illness [non-COVID-related].
“The entire All-Star weekend is a celebration of the basketball community, the fans and the sport I am blessed to play. I’m focused on getting well and back out on the court. Thank you for all the get-well wishes. I can’t wait to see the game later today.”
