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Golden State Warriors: Kevin Durant’s return will tip the scale

By Tony Pesta

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on November 29, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The power balance in the NBA Finals is about to change drastically in favor of the Golden State Warriors when Kevin Durant returns.

As of now, the 2019 NBA Finals has been nothing but pure fun. The Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors have traded blows to open up the series, heading to the Bay in a deadlock at 1-1. However, things are about to heat up for Golden State with the return of Kevin Durant.

Before falling with a calf injury, Durant was in the midst of one of the best postseason runs of his career. Big numbers of 35.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, the narrative of KD being the best player in the world was being spun.

Since then, things have changed. The Dubs went a perfect 5-0 in the West without Durant. Suddenly, it felt like the Warriors were almost a better team in KD’s absence. In a not so shocking twist of events, it turns out the Dubs actually might need their two-time Finals MVP in this series against Toronto.

The first five quarters of the NBA Finals were a wake-up call for Golden State. The Warriors were taken to school by Toronto as the Raptors consistently shut down every action the Dubs attempted to run. Behind big performances from Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol and Fred VanVleet, the Warriors defense looked like swiss cheese.

Had it not been for an inspiring second-half performance in Game 2 from the entire team, the Dubs could easily be facing an 0-2 deficit heading to Oakland. Luckily, their perseverance has forced this series into a tie.

Overall, the first two games of this series were extremely close. A few plays here or there could have changed the entire outcome of each game.

Now, with Durant’s return inching closer and closer, the Raptors are on their deathbeds. The scales are about to tip in the Warriors favor and there might be nothing the Raptors can do to stop it.

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