Nope, Kevin Durant’s absence didn’t matter a whit to the Warriors yesterday. Notwithstanding his all-world worth to the defending champions, he was not missed against the Nets; His teammates blitzed the hosts throughout the first half and then coasted the rest of the way to notch Win Number 13 of 17 matches. And, not surprisingly, two-time Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry led the way, coming up with 39, 11, seven, and three in a sterling effort that even had him toiling at the other end of the court.
Not that Durant’s sidelining was borne of anything serious. He was first listed as day to day, and then scratched from yesterday’s set-to altogether, due to a left ankle sprain. And, of course, all and sundry could not help but look ahead; with due respect to the National Basketball Association’s doormats of the 2016-2017 campaign, queries weren’t on how the Warriors would fare without him at the Barclays Center, but on how much less exciting their next outing would be should he stay in the sidelines.
As it happens, the Warriors are scheduled to rub elbows with the Thunder in two days, with their status as preseason favorites to prevail in the West serving to add to the tension. Should Durant manage to suit up, the encounter figures to be even more compelling in light of his frosty relationship with the franchise he once led. Otherwise a no-brainer, his participation is still up in the air; even he doesn’t know if his ankle will have healed enough to let him burn rubber by then.
Significantly, Durant believes his ties with the Thunder are improving. Never mind that wounds, seemingly inflicted by perceived slights, have festered; just this offseason, he seethed upon receipt of news that the franchise he toiled for through his first nine years in the pros gave his number away, and to a rookie. As far as he’s concerned, time is an ally, and when push comes to shove, family will be family. It’s why, he said, he knows general manager Sam Presti and partner turned rival Russell Westbrook will be on his deathbed, guaranteed.
Granted, the outcome of the latest episode in the Warriors-Thunder saga won’t determine the holder of the Larry O’Brien Trophy by June next year. On the other hand, sweating the small stuff is precisely how winners distinguish themselves. So, yes, everyone hopes Durant will be on the active roster; protagonists will then do battle at full strength, fans will then get their money’s worth, and the NBA will then be all the better for it.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
