The Golden State Warriors are starting their season against Kevin Durant’s Nets in Brooklyn. This matchup should be a drama-filled one, that we can expect to see some flare in.
The History between the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant’s Nets is short-lived, but this season may include a fabricated rivalry between them. The Warriors went from a dynasty to the worst team in the league in 2020. It just so happened that all that happened when Kevin Durant left Golden State.
How We Got Here
With an injured Stephen Curry, who only played five games last season, and an injured Klay Thompson, the Warriors were terrible. The team consisted of Eric Paschall having to do a lot of everything. Even Draymond Green did not have a great season, which hurt for Warriors fans. They finished the season 15-50, the franchise’s worst record of all-time.
Now the Warriors are trying to get back to that form, but it may be more challenging than before. With another season-ending injury to Klay Thompson, they will again be without the sharpshooter.
However, the Warriors added wing talent in Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins, who only played 12 games with the Warriors last season. While the two may not be as good as Thompson, they can help this team in a few different ways.
Kelly Oubre will bring athleticism and defense to the wing spot, even though he will not lockdown opponents as Thompson did. DO not underestimate Oubre’s ability to catch and shoot as well. Wiggins will add another scorer alongside Curry. He is a guy who can score it from anywhere and create free chances by getting to the line.
Let’s not forget that with the record Golden State had last year; they were rewarded with the second overall pick in the draft. With that, they selected Memphis big man James Wiseman. A 7’1″ center who has the potential to be a franchise player.
Now we are here, the 2020-2021 season opener, where the Warriors will go to Brooklyn to face a familiar face.
What This Means For KD
Kevin Durant’s Nets will come to play, and there is no doubt about it. Knowing him, as many Warriors fans do, he will try to prove something.
We saw the same thing when Kevin Durant made his first return to Oklahoma City and battled with Russell Westbrook. He is an emotional guy and leaves it all on the court, as we know.
Durant will try to prove to the Warriors and NBA fans around the world that he can do it on his own. He does not need to join a superteam but instead creates his own with Kyrie Irving.
He will also want to prove that he is still just as good even after the injury he sustained. So far in the preseason games, Durant looks excellent. He showed he still has a pinch of explosiveness and can shoot over anyone.
Kevin Durant did not leave the Warriors in the same way that he did with the Thunder, so the reunion may not be hostile. Nonetheless, it will still be an entertaining matchup to watch with plenty of fireworks.