Programming note: Watch the pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Thursday afternoon at 4:30, streaming live on the MyTeams app.
The Warriors are a better team when Kevin Durant is in uniform.
Golden State can obviously still win a lot of games when KD is out -- just ask the Rockets. And the team embraces the challenge of trying to win games without him.
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But when the reigning two-time NBA Finals MVP is on the court, they go to a whole other level.
Having said that, Trail Blazers guard Seth Curry made some interesting comments to Sam Amick of The Athletic after the Warriors' Game 1 win in the Western Conference finals.
“I think they are harder to guard (without Durant),” Seth said. “They move around faster when he’s not out there. They’re definitely not a better team, but they’re harder to guard.
"Obviously, they play a different style of basketball when Steph and Klay (Thompson) are the focal points offensively, and we haven’t played that team in a while.
Golden State Warriors
"We’ve got to reshift our focus and make some adjustments coming into Game 2.”
Not letting Steph Curry dribble into wide open 3-pointers would be a good start for Portland.
With Durant sidelined on Tuesday night, Golden State shot 50 percent overall and went 17-for-33 from 3-point territory.
Steph racked up 36 points and seven assists and drilled 9 of 15 attempts from beyond the arc. Klay, meanwhile, scored 26 points and could have had more if he made some wide open looks.
Durant will not play in Game 2 and his status beyond Thursday night is still up in the air. If he misses the whole series, the Warriors are still heavy favorites.
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But that wouldn't be the case if the four-time scoring champion isn't available should the Dubs advance to the NBA Finals.
Durant would be extremely important against Milwaukee or Toronto. Duh.