Golden State Warriors fans are panicking as the team trails the Toronto Raptors 3-1 in the NBA Finals, though somewhere inside him, Kevin Durant is probably getting some measure of satisfaction.
Durant has not played since injuring his calf late in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals series against the Houston Rockets. The Warriors won that game after he left, clinched in Game 6, and then swept Portland in the conference finals. Their success led some to say the Warriors were better without him — a totally absurd notion that was based on how the Warriors play a better style of team ball when he’s not on the court. Durant made it clear he was bothered by that narrative.
As Golden State faces the 3-1 deficit, some believe they need Durant to return to have a chance. Atlanta Hawks rookie Trae Young feels that way and said Durant needs to grab his cape to play hero for them.
KD they need you more than ever now… #GetYaCape
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 8, 2019
It’s amazing how quickly that silly narrative was turned on its head. The Warriors’ run without Durant was short-lived until they came up against a team much tougher than Portland. That’s when the world found out how badly they missed the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
Steve Kerr said before Game 4 that the Warriors were hoping Durant would be available for Game 5 or 6. They could use him, badly.
Game 5 will be on Monday in Toronto.
