Kevin Durant has perfect opportunity to shine vs Pelicans
With Stephen Curry out against the New Orleans Pelicans, Kevin Durant has a chance to make a statement in his return on Saturday night.
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For the first time since suffering an MCL sprain against the Washington Wizards on February 28, Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant will make his return on Saturday night. The forward will be getting some games in before Golden State begins the playoffs next weekend. His first game will come at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
It’s also the perfect platform for Durant to make a statement. With Stephen Curry out for Golden State on Saturday, Durant’s going to get his opportunity to take over and show that his knee is just fine. The Pelicans’ roster will also allow him to have a chance at a big night.
New Orleans will be sitting their two superstar big men against Golden State. That means that Durant and the Warriors should have a great opportunity of putting together one of those games where they roll over the opponent at home in the Oracle.
DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis and E'Twaun Moore all ruled out tonight against the Warriors.
— Justin Verrier (@JustinVerrier) April 8, 2017
If the former MVP truly isn’t going to have a minutes restriction, then one should expect him to fire up plenty of shots in his return. Conservative just doesn’t seem to be the play here with the playoffs right around the corner.
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Had this been earlier in the season, perhaps Durant would have slowly worked his way back into things. Fortunately enough, the team feels he is healthy enough to resume that role he had before he suffered the injury.
Sometimes it’s easy to just assume that a returning superstar will step up and dominate. There is always the chance he comes out rusty and doesn’t exactly play his best game. It’s going to take time for him to get in a groove. Expectations should be tempered but this game is setting up for the perfect opportunity for him to shine.