During last season's Western Conference Finals, Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder gave up a 3-1 lead to the Golden State Warriors and missed out on returning to the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history. The meeting would have also been the second time facing a Lebron James team in the finals as well. After spending the first nine seasons of his career in Oklahoma City, Durant felt like it was time for a change of scenery.
So, in the following off-season, Durant wasted no time in signing with the same team that defeated the Thunder in the 2016 playoffs -- the Golden State Warriors.
KD's decision put a strain on his relationship with long-time teammate Russell Westbrook, which ultimately led to the two parties not speaking to each other for the entire 2016-17 NBA season.
Successful 2016-17 season
Kevin Durant faced a great deal of criticism before the start of the season for his off-season move to the Warriors because people felt like he was joining a championship team that was already built before he arrived. Also, fans did not like the fact that his decision ultimately led to the split of the dynamic duo in Oklahoma City. Westbrook went on to average a triple-double for the season, breaking a 55-year-old record, and KD was able to help lead the Warriors to a third consecutive NBA Finals appearance.
Playoffs and playing strategic
Kevin Durant was able to stay healthy throughout most of the 2016-17 NBA season but did miss some key games due to injury. During the first round of the 2017 NBA playoffs, KD missed pretty much the entire series against the ailing Portland Trail Blazers. Without Durant, the Warriors were still able to sweep the Blazers 4-0 and move on to the second round of the playoffs.
During the conference semis, the Golden State Warriors took on the Utah Jazz team that defeated the L.A. Clippers on the road in Game 7 of the first round. Kevin Durant returned to the starting lineup and was pretty much the star of the series for the Warriors. His stellar play carried them into the Western Conference Finals against Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs.
However, with Leonard going down with an injury in Game 1, it didn't take much for the Warriors to defeat the Spurs and garner yet another sweep to remain perfect in this year's playoffs.
The pressure is on KD
Considering that the Golden State Warriors were able to win the NBA championship in 2015 with essentially the same unit they have now, it is on Kevin Durant to carry the load for them in this year's NBA Finals. Every player that matters for the team has won a ring. Durant decided to join them to make it easier for him to do so as well.
All eyes will be focused on him come June 1, 2017, when the Golden State Warriors open up the NBA Finals on their home floor against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
