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Golden State Warriors: Could Kevin Durant lead a 3-1 comeback?

By Tony Pesta

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 26: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 26: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the LA Clippers during Game Six of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Fans of the Golden State Warriors are hopeful that Kevin Durant will return for Game 5. Is KD capable of bringing the Dubs back from 3-1?

Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors have both been on the wrong side of 3-1 comebacks. With the Dubs now trailing the Toronto Raptors 3-1 in the NBA Finals, it’s time to see if these two can combine their powers to lift the Warriors to a third consecutive NBA Championship.

On Sunday, Durant participated in practice for the first time since his injury. Durant suffered a calf strain in Game 5 of the Western Conference Second Round and has not appeared in a game since. Despite this, the Dubs held their own in the following five games.

However, things have changed drastically for the Dubs in the NBA Finals. The Raptors have proven to be worthy competitors and due to excellent coaching from Nick Nurse, the Warriors might not have a chance to win this series without Durant.

The Raptors have done everything in their power to blitz Stephen Curry and force the offensive load to be carried by the Warriors role players. This method has worked wonders as no one outside of Klay Thompson has been able to consistently score.

It seems the Warriors are greatly missing the offensive production of Durant. It is obvious Durant is one of the best scorers the game of basketball has ever seen and he was lighting it up more than ever before suffering his injury. Up until being sidelined, KD was averaging 34.2 points per game.

With the Dubs facing elimination and Durant’s availability uncertain, it’s time to ask, could the Warriors even pull this off if KD returns? To keep it blunt, yes, they could.

Right now the Warriors struggles can all be solved by plugging KD back into the lineup. Struggling on offense? Give Durant the ball. Is Kawhi Leonard torching you? Have Durant wear him down with his lanky defense and never-ending offensive attack. It really is simple when you have an all-time great such as Durant.

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Still, it must be noted that Toronto will not roll over and accept a loss. This franchise is starving for their first title and will play two games on their home floor. With a fully loaded roster ready to compete, Durant will have a tall task ahead of him if he returns.

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