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Golden State Warriors: How Kevin Durant’s brief presence influenced Game 5

By Tony Pesta

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 10: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors walks on the court against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 10: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors walks on the court against the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kevin Durant made an anticlimactic return to the Golden State Warriors in Game 5, but his brief presence had a huge impact on the series.

It was a truly devastating moment for fans of not only the Golden State Warriors but the NBA as a whole. Watching Kevin Durant fall with what appears to be an Achilles injury was horrible. The grit and heart KD showed to even step on to the court deserves nothing but respect.

The Dubs were hoping that Durant would be able to return and help lead them back from their 3-1 deficit. Now that he is officially ruled out, the Dubs will have to accomplish this legendary task alone. Still, Durant made sure to leave a massive impact on the outcome of Game 5 and potentially the series.

While he played less than 12 minutes, KD wasted no time getting into rhythym. He began the game 3-of-3 from deep and scored 11 points. If it weren’t for his early shooting, the Warriors wouldn’t have enjoyed their first-half lead.

I hate to oversimplify it, but it really isn’t complicated. The shot attempts that were once being taken by the likes of Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green were now being taken by Durant. This change of scenery quickly gave the Warriors an advantage and helped them start a first-quarter run that ultimately played a huge role in winning the game.

This shot over Kawhi Leonard says just about all you need to know about Durant. When he is on the floor, the Dubs have a get out of jail free card. His offensive talent is unmatched and he can carry the workload with little effort.

Sadly, the Dubs will not have Durant to bail them out moving forward. Add an injury to Kevon Looney to the mix and things get even more difficult. Still, Game 6 will be played in front of Oracle Arena with momentum back on the Warriors side.

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The only positive to come out of this is perhaps the Warriors feel an extra kick of motivation to get out and win this series for Durant. He risked it all by stepping on that court in Game 5 and it’s only right the rest of the Warriors finish this in his honor.

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