Golden State Warriors: The Text Message Heard ‘Round The World

The Golden State Warriors are fresh off their second title in three years and Sports Illustrated writer Lee Jenkins takes a look at the text message that launched what could be the next great NBA dynasty.

After blowing a 3-1 lead in last year’s Finals, the Golden State Warriors exacted their pound of flesh from LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games this year, claiming their second title in three years. The difference maker between last year and this is obvious – Finals MVP Kevin Durant.

Amid the slings and arrows being lobbed at him by scorned and bitter Oklahoma City Thunder fans, “purity trolls” who decry “superteams,” and even some of the NBA’s current and former stars, Durant and the Warriors persisted – and conquered everybody put in their path. Convincingly.

But how did this juggernaut get itself launched? That’s what Jennings, in his SI column, “I’m Ready: The Text That Started The Warriors’ Dynasty,” details beautifully. He writes of the journey Durant took from being a superstar in Oklahoma City to simply being part of a cohesive unit with the Warriors.

And how it all started with a text message sent by Draymond Green after that painful Game Seven loss to James and the Cavs last year.

"“And so, at that locker, in that uniform, less than an hour after the most excruciating loss of his life, Green punched up Kevin Durant’s number. ‘See what we’re missing,’ Green says, recounting the text message he sent Durant. ‘We need you. Make it happen’”"

Once Durant made his decision to come to the Bay Area, the basketball world, of course, lost its collective mind. While some supported Durant’s decision, applauding him for doing what was in his own best interest, the louder voices seemed to come from the other camp – the critics who chided him for hopping on the Golden State bandwagon and riding their coattails to a ring.

As if the Warriors – the same Warriors who’d just choked up a 3-1 lead and a second consecutive title to the Cavs – were already all but guaranteed a ring in 2017 and Durant was just hitching a ride with them.

Next: Durant's First Title Win Brings The Trolls Out In Force

Jennings goes on to detail Durant’s sometimes awkward acclimation into Golden State’s locker room and culture, revealing stories that most haven’t heard about Durant doing his best to fit in and be one of the team rather than Kevin Durant – egomaniacal superstar.

"“‘I didn’t want anybody to cater to me,” Durant says. “I wanted to add value to the group instead of crushing the group and forming another one. I wanted to conform to the culture they built here. But doing that, while being authentic to yourself, is a very fine line. I think I tried too hard to be too cool.” An acclimation period was inevitable, given the stark stylistic contrast between Golden State and OKC.”"

In his column, Jennings does a fantastic job of detailing Durant’s journey from an Oklahoma City team that was always good enough to make the playoffs but not good enough to win a title, to a Golden State team that’s stacked and the delicate balance it takes to blend so many stars together into one coherent and functional tapestry.

He also does a wonderful job of highlighting just how much hard work Durant put into preparing for this season, from the late night shooting sessions, to the constant stream of information and study, to keeping himself physically and mentally prepared to go.

Jennings’ piece is a fantastic and compelling look at the Finals MVP and one that is very, very well worth the read.

If they can keep their core together, Golden State may be on the verge of launching the NBA’s next great dynasty. But perhaps it wouldn’t be quite the juggernaut it could end up being if not for one painful loss and one text message from a disappointed and angry Draymond Green.