The debate is over: The Golden State Warriors are not a better team without Kevin Durant.
It’s no longer up for discussion, the Golden State Warriors need Kevin Durant in a bad way. If this wasn’t already obvious enough, the 2019 NBA Finals have stressed his importance to the team more than ever before.
It is very rare to see the life get sucked out of the Oracle Arena. In Games 3 and 4 of this year’s Finals, the Toronto Raptors did just that. Impressive wins in both games led to fans of the Dubs heading for the exits early.
Behind incredible performances from multiple Raptors, the Dubs are facing a 3-1 deficit. In years prior, the Warriors might feel confident in their ability to mount this comeback. It goes without saying that their confidence isn’t very high right now, especially without Durant.
KD has been sidelined since a freak injury occurred in Game 5 versus the Houston Rockets. A non-contact injury to his calf has derailed an all-time great run from Durant and potentially the Dubs chances of capturing a three-peat.
Before the injury, Durant was averaging 34.2 points per game on an efficient 51.3 percent shooting. Since then, the Dubs have gone 5-3 without him in the lineup with four of their wins coming against a less skilled Portland Trail Blazers team.
This lack of scoring has not only hurt the Dubs, but it has disabled them. The Warriors simply can’t get enough production offensively, scoring a postseason-low 92 points in Game 4. The talent of Durant has been enough to cover up any blunders from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, but now, their downfalls become more impactful.
Facing elimination, the Dubs are still uncertain as to whether or not KD will be able to suit up. Without him, the Warriors will be playing their most difficult game to date, with their backs against the wall in a sure to be wild Air Canada Center.
The Dubs need Durant and his absence in the Finals might not be the end of their suffering. It’s possible that KD has already played his last game in a Warriors jersey due to his upcoming free agency. This could truly be the end of an era in Oakland.