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[Saba Sports News] The Kevin Durant era was marked by dominance and drama for the Golden State Warriors. On the “Gil’s Arena” podcast, former NBA veteran Nick Young revealed internal chaos within the team, including an instance where Stephen Curry almost cried after losing the 2018 Finals MVP to Kevin Durant.
“I remember they were neck and neck — KD and Steph. And then Steph had one bad game and Durant was hitting,” said Young. “In the locker room, Steph’s head was down and damn near tears, after a win. He wanted to win that. Durant was trying to give it to him because he won the year before but Steph couldn’t make a shot. It was the lowest he scored in the Finals.”
Durant, a 14x All-Star, joined the Warriors in 2016, creating a dominant duo with Curry. The 2018 NBA Finals, though uncompetitive, highlighted their internal struggle. The Warriors swept the LeBron James-led Cavaliers 4-0, with Durant receiving 7 MVP votes to Curry’s 4. Curry’s poor performance in Game 3, where he scored just 11 points, contrasted with Durant’s 43-point game-saving effort.
Despite Curry’s 37 points in Game 4, Durant claimed the Finals MVP. Curry eventually won the Finals MVP in 2022 after securing his fourth championship.
Although Curry and Durant never expressed resentment, their partnership lasted only three years. The Warriors remained Curry’s team, and Durant’s presence created a power struggle. Durant left after losing in the Finals the following year, but their time together remains historic.
The dominance they achieved may never be seen again, but Curry now thrives as the lone leader. Speculation about Durant’s potential return to the Warriors exists, but it would require Curry’s approval, and it’s uncertain if he would agree to revisit that dynamic.