Adversity Not Even in the Golden State Warriors’ Vocabulary
By Andrew Bet
Kevin Durant will miss a few weeks after suffering a knee injury, but the lack of his presence will not affect the Golden State Warriors. Head coach Steve Kerr has all the firepower needed on the Warriors’ roster to not even realize Durant has been absent.
Tying the record for most wins in a season is no longer a reality after the Golden State Warriors lost 112-108 to the Washington Wizards. The loss was the least of the Warriors’ concerns, as their superstar forward Kevin Durant went down early. As teammates and coaches feared the worst, a sigh of relief came when Durant’s injury was not serious. Durant will likely be ready for the playoffs, but he may not be out the woods yet as he will be evaluated again in the coming weeks.
The first quarter barely began when the injury occurred. Zaza Pachulia was pulled down by Washington’s Marcin Gortat while going for a rebound and fell into Durant. As Durant hobbled off the court, Warriors’ management held their breath. His injury profoundly affected the team’s play throughout the night. Despite erasing an early deficit in the first half, efforts fell short in the end.
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With good news on Durant not being out longer than first anticipated, his teammates can return to basketball knowing he will be back. Durant may lead the Warriors in points, rebounds, and blocks, but he is just one of the many superstars currently on the Warriors. Do not expect a lack of production with Durant’s absence.
Adversity does not exist on the Warriors. If Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were not dazzling in season’s past, then concern would reside with Durant’s injury. Both Curry and Thompson provide a dynamic one-two punch on offense. Durant just offered a new offensive threat where all three complement each other.
Expect the Splash Brothers to carry a heavy load offensively in the coming weeks, but that is nothing new. Curry and Thompson know the effort necessary to win a championship and have the caliber to succeed. With a playoff spot clinched and no chance to tie last season’s win mark, the Warriors’ can play loose before getting back to business in the playoffs.
The defense will likely get scrutinized with Durant unavailable. While the Warriors can score at ease, averaging over 110 points per game, the team allows over 100 points per game. Points allowed could likely increase as Durant provided a solid defense to go with his offensive prowess. Teams will try to exploit the hole left by Durant’s injury. As the case has been all season for the Warriors, the offense has been their best defense.
Help has come for the Warriors as Matt Barnes rejoins the fold. Barnes was with the Sacramento Kings but released after the DeMarcus Cousins trade. One of the members of the “We Believe” team, Barnes is hoping to get the job done.
But the Warriors must go beyond the Splash Brothers and Barnes for continued success. The supporting cast must contribute behind Curry and Thompson. Draymond Green should cut the antics and play the way he did before winning a championship. Make no mistake, an unsung hero will come to play a significant role while Durant recovers for the remainder of the season.
To be in the Warriors’ position, with a star-studded roster of motivated players eager to win another title, is a luxury. Had Durant gone down for any team not named the Warriors, chances are the team would struggle until his return.
As frustrating as the injury is for Durant, the rest he will receive will benefit the Warriors come playoff time. He will quickly assert himself to help ease the load off Curry and Thompson. The decisive moment will come for Durant in making the right choice to join the Warriors in hopes of earning the elusive championships he desires.
Next: Durant's Injury Leads to Barnes' Signing
A superstar has gone down amongst a team of superstars, an injury where the term adversity does not reside inside the minds of the Warriors’ superstars. Durant will be back and ready to lead the charge. Until then, expect exciting basketball from two of NBA’s best in Curry and Thompson.