Remember the unstoppable force that was the Golden State Warriors from 2017 to 2018? The team that went 125-39 in two regular seasons and dominated the playoffs with a 32-5 record? Much of that success can be attributed to one controversial but undeniably brilliant move: the signing of Kevin Durant. While his decision to leave the Thunder turned public opinion against him, it paid off in spades, bringing two championships and two Finals MVP awards to his name.
The Lingering Debate: KD vs. Curry
Even years later, the debate over who was the “better” player on those dynasty Warriors teams still rages on. While Stephen Curry is the franchise legend and the heart of the team, Durant’s arrival elevated them to a new level of dominance. He was the unstoppable offensive force who could score over anyone, anytime. This debate was recently reignited by none other than Durant himself on social media.
In a recent tweet, Durant directly addressed the lingering resentment from some Warriors fans: “Them finals mvps I won hurt you. Scarred alot of warrior fans when my name was announced.” This candid comment highlights the tension that existed even during a period of unparalleled success. While Curry’s gravity and leadership created the perfect environment, Durant’s sheer talent was what made them virtually unbeatable.
The “Unfair” Advantage and The Greatest Team Ever
Before Durant’s arrival, the Warriors were great, but they were not invincible. They had just lost a 3-1 lead to the Cavaliers in the Finals. Durant’s addition did exactly what everyone feared: it made the NBA unfair. With an already stacked lineup, adding a 6-foot-11 superstar with the scoring ability of a guard created a basketball anomaly. This team was head and shoulders above the rest of the league, and their case for being the greatest team ever assembled is a strong one. They likely would have secured a third consecutive championship in 2019 had Durant not been sidelined by a heartbreaking injury.
The Post-Warriors Search for Glory
Since leaving Golden State, Durant has been on a quest to replicate that championship magic, but without the same success. His time with the Brooklyn Nets was plagued by injuries and team drama, though his performance in the 2021 playoffs—almost single-handedly taking down the eventual champion Milwaukee Bucks in seven games without Kyrie Irving and James Harden—was a legendary display of skill.
Now, after stints with the Suns and Rockets, the 15-time All-Star is still chasing that elusive third ring. While his journey has been filled with twists and turns, we can’t forget the impact he had during those two championship seasons. He may have created some public drama and controversy, but he also solidified his legacy as one of the most dominant scorers in basketball history on one of the greatest teams of all time.