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The Golden State Warriors don’t need Kevin Durant… yet

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts as he leaves the game late in the fourth quarter in a 129-110 win over the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 26: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors reacts as he leaves the game late in the fourth quarter in a 129-110 win over the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /
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Going up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, the Golden State Warriors haven’t struggled since Kevin Durant’s calf injury. Will that time come?

The Golden State Warriors have been fine without Kevin Durant, going a perfect 3-0 in his absence, but their success may not be sustained against tougher opponents.

After all, they don’t have much of a choice. Durant’s already been ruled out for Game 3 and 4, leaving the Dubs without their top scoring threat. Out of the East will come a foe worthy of a full strength Warriors team.

Then, and only then, Kevin Durant’s presence will be of paramount importance.

The Warriors’ rotation will again shorten, forcing their starters back into the high 40s in minutes. Durant would help relieve the load on the starting unit. He’d also provide much-needed help on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, the Warriors will be taking on a top-five defensive opponent either way. The Bucks were the league’s best defensive team and the Raptors the second best. The Warriors have yet to face a top-five defensive team this postseason.

Prior to straining his calf, Durant was averaging over 34 points per game through the Warriors first 11 games. This dominance included a 50-point bomb in a closeout Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

On the defensive end, the Warriors, if they advance to the Finals, instead of taking on an elite duo of guards like they have in each of their three postseason matchups, they’ll be taking on a top-tier, MVP-caliber forward. They’ll face either Kawhi Leonard or Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Both players were in the top six in scoring this season. At the same, both players are forces on both ends of the court. For a series against the Bucks or Raptors, the Warriors will need their highly-versatile forward.

Durant took the challenge to guard James Harden. He’s wanting to defend their opponent’s top player, and arguably the team’s best defender, they’ll need him at the top of his game in order to limit these volume scorers.

Although many have fallen back in love with the Durant-less Warriors, it’s the Warriors with Durant that’ll be best suited to face Milwaukee or Toronto. They’ll need Durant when they meet their Eastern Conference opponent.

Next. Warriors: 15 Greatest NBA playoff moments. dark

Until then, let Durant recover. Let DeMarcus recover. Let’s get our team to full strenght for what should be a thrilling NBA Finals.

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