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3 reasons the Golden State Warriors can win the NBA Finals without Kevin Durant

By Jose Sanchez III

PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - MAY 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors
PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 18: Quinn Cook #4 of the Golden State Warriors reacts with teammates during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Kevin Durant NBA Finals (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

2. Ball Movement

One of the terms used to describe the Golden State Warriors gameplay without Kevin Durant is that it has been “prettier.” It’s definitely been a much more exciting sight to see the Warriors operate on offense — that’s because of all the ball movement. With Durant out of action, the Warriors can move freely on offense.

Whereas with Durant on the court, you never really saw him moving around. He would be disengaged on offense in terms of getting to a spot consistently.

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Durant primarily relies on isolation plays for his offensive game so it makes sense as to why the Warriors offense has looked prettier without him. They aren’t just force feeding Durant and letting him work. Everyone on the offense is getting involved to look for the best shot available.

The spacing looks improved, the pick and roll is utilized more, and screening off ball has been effective. Remember when the Warriors were thought of as a team that had no depth or bench?

Once again, the criticism of this team is just plain delusion.

The bench has been a big part of the reason that the Warriors ball movement is so fierce. Everyone cuts and rolls to the basket smoothly and makes the right decision.

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