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Opinion: Golden State Warriors victory without Kevin Durant gives him a pass to leave

By Nathan Beighle

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 120-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 120-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors won without the help of Kevin Durant. This victory could give the four-time scoring champ a right to leave this offseason.

As I sat and watched the Golden State Warriors dominate the Houston Rockets for much of the game Wednesday night, I couldn’t help but ponder on what superstar forward Kevin Durant who watched from the sideline might have been thinking.

Kevin Durant was out with an ankle injury during the Dubs only regular-season victory over Houston. Durant sustained the injury late in the Dubs previous game against Phoenix. He did play in the previous three games against Houston, all losses for the West’s top-ranked team.

The Warriors were far from dominant against Houston. But, what they did show is a different, more effective playstyle. They played like a team wanting to share the ball, not play solely isolation offense. They totaled ten more assists than Houston.

With Kevin Durant, the Warriors typically allow either Durant or Curry to play much more isolation-style offense. Against the Rockets without Durant, they played a team-first, mismatch-taking offense.

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The Warriors switched DeMarcus Cousins onto smaller guards then either let him go to work or send an array of screens and cuts within his vision to open up passing lanes. It worked for coach Kerr and the Warriors.

All that to say, the Warriors display a fun style of basketball without Kevin Durant. They proved that, even if he leaves, they would be able to hold their own and potentially still be at the top of the West.

For Durant, who was sitting and watching, you see a team that doesn’t need you to succeed. Then, you look over at a team like the struggling Knicks, who can offer you a spot in the limelight and a max contract, and in just a few moments, that deal looks a bit better.

The thought might creep into your head about leaving regardless of how this season plays out. No one likes to see a team be better off without them. Even if the long-term Warriors aren’t better without Durant, they were Wednesday night.

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They performed when it counts. And, if Durant ends up leaving this offseason, this game could be what planted the seed that’s watered from here on out.

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