David Lee injury: Warriors All-Star makes surprise return to court

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News presents a fascinating argument on how the absence of David Lee has freed the Golden State Warriors’ offense to reach new heights. Kawakami argues that with Lee playing all of two minutes since tearing his hip flexor in Game 1 of Round 1 -- an injury that should have ended the All-Star’s season -- Golden State has blossomed into a faster, more efficient, more confident club.

But this is the line that struck me.

Lee tore his right hip flexor in Game 1 against the Nuggets and was initially ruled out for the rest of the playoffs, but he made a surprise return to the court on Thursday. He took one shot and grabbed one rebound in 69 seconds of play in the first quarter before returning to the bench for the rest of the game.

Afterward, Lee said he returned because he wanted to be a leader and provide an extra lift in the crucial Game 6. He also said there was little extra risk to returning, as there’s already a good chance he will need surgery after the season.

The news represents a sharp turn for Lee, who was ruled out for the playoffs by the Warriors one day after suffering the injury in Game 1 of the series. Despite the apparent seriousness of the injury, Lee was told he did not need surgery, which may help explain this sudden change in his status.

It’s not clear how much or even if Lee will play. The Warriors have thrived despite his absence, winning three straight games using a smaller lineup before falling in Tuesday’s Game 5. Nevertheless, the return of the All-Star forward, even for a few minutes, could do wonders to lift Golden State’s spirits in a closeout game at Oracle Arena.

Whatever the case may be, the Warriors have struggled without Lee. In 21 games without him over the last three seasons, Golden State has a 3-18 record.

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Lee eventually needed help being walked off the court by trainers before heading to the locker room.

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