Seth Curry Claims Warriors Are Actually Harder to Defend Without Kevin Durant
By Max Scoli
Kevin Durant is a man that needs no introduction. A 10-time All-Star and former NBA MVP, KD is widely considered to be a top-three player in the league.
His injury status might be worrisome to Warriors fans, as Durant represents a substantial offensive weapon in their system. However, Seth Curry of the Portland Trail Blazers believes Golden State is actually more difficult to defend in his absence:
I took a look at Golden State’s playoff passing numbers with and without Kevin Durant, and talked to Blazers guard/Steph’s brother, Seth Curry, about how the Warriors, in his view, “are harder to guard” when KD is out. https://t.co/70Z36O5uAm pic.twitter.com/p6jkxW6Y4t
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) May 16, 2019
When you have a player like Durant who can score in so many ways, it makes sense the offense might become stagnant at times while KD attempts to subdue his defender in isolation. Without the superstar, ball movement is much more fluid and there is much more movement off the ball that it makes opposing defenses work that much harder to contest all their shooters.
The Warriors are 26-1 in the last 27 games they have played without Kevin Durant, but with Steph Curry in the lineup.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) May 9, 2019
When the ball and shooters remain in constant motion, there are many more opportunities to get quality open looks rather than relying on Durant to hit a contested shot. This makes for a much more efficient offense for a team where outside shots are a focal point.
Yet, something tells me Seth Curry won't be too happy if KD ever does take the floor in the Western Conference Finals.