KD denies Warriors pressured his Finals return

Kevin Durant's final season with the Golden State Warriors came to a halt when the All-Star forward ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

The 30-year-old hasn't addressed the public since and there was speculation the Warriors rushed Durant into playing with the team facing elimination.

But the two-time Finals MVP emphatically denied those rumors Wednesday and insists Game 5 was the targeted return date all along.

"Hell, no. How can you blame (the Warriors)? Hell, no,” Durant told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. "I heard the Warriors pressured me into getting back. Nobody never said a word to me during rehab as I was coming back. It was only me and (director of sports medicine and performance) Rick (Celebrini) working out every day.

"Right when the series started, I targeted Game 5. Hell, nah. It just happened. It’s basketball. Shit happens. Nobody was responsible for it. It was just the game. We just need to move on from that shit because I’m going to be back playing."

Regardless of where the championship series stood, Durant was determined to play; He had been progressing through rehab and didn't suffer any setbacks leading up to Game 5.

"I just wanted to hoop," Durant said. "Especially if I could be out there. I was feeling good leading up to it.

"I was working out every day. I was gradually getting back to myself doing the two-a-days. I was really locked in on my game and trying to get back. I really wanted to play in that series."

Durant had 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting - including a perfect 3-for-3 from distance - in 12 minutes of action before his injury in the second quarter. As Durant laid on the floor, Toronto Raptors fans cheered as he clutched his leg.

The Brooklyn Nets superstar doesn't remember the home crowd's reaction that night, but he did have something to say to fans north of the border.

"It will probably be the last time they will be in the Finals," Durant said.