n the ever-dramatic world of NBA rivalries and social media shade, Kevin Durant has once again stirred the pot with a subtle dig at his former Golden State Warriors teammate, Stephen Curry. The two-time Finals MVP with the Warriors—now plying his trade for the Houston Rockets—responded to a fan’s question on X (formerly Twitter) about why Warriors fans harbor such resentment toward him. Durant’s quip? “Them finals MVPs, they will never recover.” This comment alludes to his back-to-back Finals MVP awards in 2017 and 2018, during Golden State’s championship runs, where he arguably outshone Curry in the spotlight. But is that the real root of the animosity? As we dive into this analysis on August 12, 2025, we’ll explore the highs of their dynasty, Durant’s dominant role, his controversial exits, and why fans’ frustration might run deeper than just trophy envy. Buckle up, NBA fans—this is a tale of glory, jealousy, and the bittersweet end of an era that redefined basketball.
Kevin Durant’s journey to Golden State was a seismic shift in NBA history. After enduring eight frustrating seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside Russell Westbrook—a ball-dominant, inefficient jump shooter who often clashed with Durant’s efficient scoring style—Durant hit free agency in 2016. He chose to join the Warriors, fresh off an NBA-record 73-win regular season but stinging from a Finals collapse against LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. Armed with Durant, a 6-foot-11 versatile scoring machine and two-way force, the Warriors assembled what many call the greatest superteam ever: Durant, Curry (a two-time MVP in his prime), Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—all future Hall of Famers at the peak of their powers.
The results were nothing short of domination. From 2017 to 2019, this quartet propelled Golden State to three straight NBA Finals appearances. They cruised to championships in 2017 and 2018, dismantling opponents with a blend of sharpshooting, defensive tenacity, and unselfish play. In 2017, they swept through the playoffs with a 16-1 record, and Durant averaged 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the Finals against Cleveland, earning his first Finals MVP. The following year, he repeated the feat with 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in another Finals win over the Cavs, solidifying his status as the series’ standout. Notably, Curry, despite his revolutionary three-point shooting and leadership, was overshadowed in those moments. In 2015’s title run (pre-Durant), Andre Iguodala snagged Finals MVP for his defense on LeBron, and Curry went trophyless in the 2017-18 Finals despite stellar play.
Analysts and fans alike recognized Durant as the Warriors’ alpha during those runs. At 28-30 years old, in his absolute prime, Durant’s length, scoring efficiency (over 50% field goal in playoffs), and defensive versatility made him the ultimate closer. He supplanted Curry—who was also in his prime (ages 29-31)—as the clear best player, elevating the team from great to unbeatable. Yet, the 2019 Finals against the Toronto Raptors exposed the dynasty’s fragility. Injuries ravaged the squad: Thompson tore his ACL, and Durant suffered a devastating Achilles rupture in Game 5 after returning from a calf strain. Golden State fell in six games, marking the end of their reign.
Durant’s recent X exchange highlights a lingering tension. When fan @Sc30pion asked, “[Why] do [Warriors] fans hate KD lmao,” Durant’s reply pointed to those Finals MVPs as the sore spot. Indeed, Curry didn’t claim his first (and only) Finals MVP until 2022, leading a revamped Warriors squad to victory over the Boston Celtics years after Durant’s departure. By then, Curry was 34, and the win felt like validation for his legacy as the franchise’s cornerstone. Durant’s comment suggests envy over the hardware—implying fans resent him for “stealing” awards that could have been Curry’s. But this might miss the mark. Durant’s otherworldly play was instrumental in reaching those Finals; without him, Golden State might not have overcome LeBron’s Cavs twice.
The deeper grudge, however, likely stems from Durant’s abrupt exit. After just three seasons, he bolted for the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 free agency, seeking to build his own legacy away from Curry’s shadow. In Brooklyn, he formed a Big Three with Kyrie Irving and James Harden, but injuries and drama derailed them. By 2023, Durant forced a trade to the Phoenix Suns, pairing with Devin Booker and Chris Paul (later Bradley Beal) in pursuit of another ring. Yet, after two disappointing playoff exits, he was flipped to the Houston Rockets this summer in a shocking deal. Now 36 (turning 37 in September), Durant remains a top-25 talent, averaging 27.1 points on 52.3% shooting last season with Phoenix. Fans’ frustration boils down to “what if?”—what if Durant had stayed, extending the dynasty with Curry into the 2020s? His quick abandonment, despite having “so much more high-level basketball left,” feels like betrayal to a fanbase that embraced him as a savior.
This saga underscores broader NBA themes: superteam fragility, player empowerment, and fan loyalty. Durant’s moves reflect a modern star’s quest for control, but they alienate supporters who crave stability. Warriors fans celebrated his contributions—two rings and historic dominance—but his departures paint him as a mercenary. Meanwhile, Curry’s loyalty has cemented his GOAT-level status in the Bay Area. Durant’s dig, while cheeky, overlooks how his exits amplified the hate, turning admiration into resentment.
Kevin Durant’s indirect jab at Stephen Curry via those Finals MVPs reignites a debate that’s simmered since their split: glory shared or glory stolen? While Durant’s dominance undeniably fueled Golden State’s dynasty, his quick exits and team-hopping have fueled fan disdain more than any trophy tally. As Durant settles in Houston and Curry chases more rings at 37, this rivalry reminds us that NBA legacies are built on rings, resilience, and relationships. Warriors fans may never “recover” from the MVPs, but the real scar is the “what could have been.” What do you think—does Durant deserve the hate, or is it just sour grapes?