The Golden State Warriors have historically fared quite well when Kevin Durant is unable to play, but that probably has more to do with them faring well against everyone for the overwhelming majority of the past several seasons. Still, Portland Trail Blazers guard Seth Curry thinks there is at least one advantage the Warriors have when Durant sits.
In the wake of Portland’s 116-94 loss to the Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Curry said he believes Golden State can be tougher to guard without Durant on the floor. However, that doesn’t mean he thinks they are better off without KD.
“I think they are harder to guard (without Durant),” Curry said, via Sam Amick of The Athletic. “They move around faster when he’s not out there. They’re definitely not a better team, but they’re harder to guard. Obviously, they play a different style of basketball when Steph and Klay (Thompson) are the focal points offensively, and we haven’t played that team in a while. We’ve got to reshift our focus and make some adjustments coming into Game 2.”
The debate over whether or not the Warriors are better without KD has been a major storyline since he suffered a strained calf. You can present the stats any number of ways, but Golden State is now 26-1 in its last 27 games when Durant has been out and Stephen Curry has played. Again, they’re the best team in the NBA and are looking to win a third straight title and fourth in five years, so there are plenty of ways you could present the argument.
Either way, the Warriors are not going to rush Durant back. Head coach Steve Kerr has already given a somewhat troubling update on his health, and it makes little sense to rush bring him back before he’s 100 percent if Golden State keeps winning. As Seth Curry said, that is something the Blazers are going to have to adjust to — whether they consider it easier or more difficult.
