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Golden State Warriors
Oklahoma City Thunder
Aug 28, 2025 9:09 AM EDT
Most NBA superstars either enter the league with the tools to dominate early on or see a slow, steady progression to the top, but neither of these buckets define Stephen Curry as the Golden State Warriors star had a meteoric rise to greatness.
The relatively unknown point guard exploded on the scene in 2013 with a 54-point explosion against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden to put himself on the center stage.
This historic outburst would lead to one of the most storied basketball careers, with two MVPs, one being unanimous, 11 All-NBA selections and four championships in a seven-year span for Curry.
Kevin Durant’s Warriors Legacy
Jan 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) talks with guard Stephen Curry (30) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) talks with guard Stephen Curry (30) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images — Source: Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The only issue was that the team had Kevin Durant for two of its title wins, who won back-to-back finals MVPs, stealing the spotlight away from Curry.
Many of Curry’s fans have argued that he should have won at least one of those awards, so after nearly a decade of these discussions, the 11-time All-Star finally opened up about his feelings on Durant. Curry sang praises of the former Oklahoma City Thunder star, saying Durant deserved both awards and that he plays for rings and not accolades.
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Although it was fruitful, delivering two championships, Durant’s tenure in Golden State was a controversial one, where fans constantly pitted him against Curry and was perceived to have a prolonged dispute with Draymond Green. All sides have appeared to move on since, but Curry wants to make sure people know that the former MVP was an integral factor in Warriors history.
Durant’s Downfall
Mostly everyone outside of Golden State has seemed to forget the contentious debates, in part because Durant has had next to no success since leaving. He’s gone out twice in the first round, twice in the second round and missed the playoffs twice in his six seasons since leaving the Warriors.
The near seven-footer is lauded for his one-of-one scoring ability and impressive ball handling skills at his size. He can score from anywhere on the floor and back in his younger days, he wasn’t a slouch on defense either.
Durant’s lasting legacy is a unique one as he’s won two championships, but not many people acknowledge them. He’s one of the most talented players to ever pick up a basketball, but few people respect it because of his constant team abandonment and lack of accountability taken for his teams’ shortcomings.
Durant is one of the all time greats, but history may not remember him that way with how this late stage of his career has gone.
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Paul White