Nope, Kevin Durant鈥檚 absence didn鈥檛 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鈥檚 sidelining was borne of anything serious. He was first listed as day to day, and then scratched from yesterday鈥檚 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鈥檚 doormats of the 2016-2017 campaign, queries weren鈥檛 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鈥檛 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鈥檚 concerned, time is an ally, and when push comes to shove, family will be family. It鈥檚 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鈥檛 determine the holder of the Larry O鈥橞rien 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鈥檚 worth, and the NBA will then be all the better for it.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since 大象传媒 introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
