Getty/Harry How Kevin Durant (right), when he was a member of the Golden State Warriors.
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry spent three seasons together in Oakland. They were one of the most dominating duos of all time, going to three straight NBA Finals and winning two championships. Durant was the Finals MVP for both of those titles. After a two-year hiatus from the postseason, the Warriors secured yet another title earlier this month, with Curry winning the first Finals MVP award of his career.
Though Curry’s entire performance in the NBA Finals was remarkable, it was his outing in Game 4 that swung the series. Trying to avoid going down 3-1 to the Boston Celtics, Curry netted a 43-point, 10-rebound masterpiece on the road at TD Garden to tie the series at 2-2.
It was one of the greatest performances of all time, Durant said on the June 24 episode of his podcast, “The ETCs.”
“The Game 4 was iconic to me. It’s like much more than just the win. That game right there was like, ‘All right, this is one of the greatest we’ve ever seen,” he said.
“In that environment, the shots he was making … the rebounds, though. It was the rebounds for me; playing with Steph, that’s how I know he’s super, super engaged when he’s on the boards heavy. Coming over somebody’s back grabbing an [offensive rebound], it’s just like, yo, he really wants this.”
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Durant Reminisces About Time With Warriors
Durant said he was able to watch the Warriors’ run to a fourth title from a unique perspective. Noting that because he played with Golden State for three seasons, he already knew what they were going to do, which made the game more enjoyable to watch for him.
“And I’ve been in that locker room, so I was just going back in my mind like, ‘All right, I know what they’re thinking at this point,'” Durant continued. “So, it was kind of fun being engaged with that game, and he made it fun for everybody, just the shots he was making and the way he led them.”
“That game right there was like, all right, like, this is one of the greatest we’ve ever seen.”
Kevin Durant on Steph Curry’s Game 4 performance 💯
Durant Unfazed by Kyrie Irving Drama
During the podcast, Durant also discussed the looming contract drama of his Nets co-star Kyrie Irving, who has not opted into the final year of his deal, and the June 29 deadline to do so is approaching quickly.
However, Durant didn’t seem fazed about the uncertain future of their relationship as teammates.
“I just kind of let things play out and see what happens,” he said. “Whatever happens, the friendship will still be there.”
Durant and Irving have been expected to stay with the franchise next season to redeem themselves after a disappointing playoff sweep by the Celtics in the first round. If they return to play in 2022-23, they would finally get their opportunity to play with three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, who was acquired by the team in February.
Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving’s situation with the Nets:
“I can’t be involved. This is this man’s livelihood. It’s much bigger than me… I just kinda let things play out and see what happens… Whatever happens, the friendship will still be there.”
(via @boardroom/@bansky)
If Irving, 30, opts in to play the last year of his contract with the Nets, he will make about $36.5 million. It is a decision that could change the entire landscape of the NBA.
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