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Kevin Durant’s stat line in Golden State’s 122-103 over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 does not rank as one of his most prolific with the Warriors. Durant produced 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, a tremendous line, yet not far off from his season averages.
But Durant was patient, efficient, and valuable on both ends of the floor in a pivotal Game 2. The four-time scoring champion made 10 of his 14 shots, all four free throws, and amassed a game-high plus-24 output when he was on the floor.
Durant’s performance led to high praise, and a postgame conversation, from Warriors general manager Bob Myers.
“I thought Kevin, I told him after the game, I think that is one of the best games he has played since he came on board with us,” Myers told KNBR’s Murph and Mac Monday morning. “I just thought he was so engaged, so focused.”
Lost in the stat sheet is Durant’s effective defense on LeBron James, who came off a 51-point effort in Game 1. Durant picked up James as soon as he passed half court, and it helped slow down the four-time MVP. James still compiled 29 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, but he was nowhere near as dominant as he was in Game 2. Durant was one of the primary defenders tasked with slowing down James.
Offensively, Myers felt Durant’s patience allowed the Warriors to click.
“Just the way Kevin approached the game,” Myers said. “Clearly when he does that, we are just so much better of a team when he is at his best, when he is at his most efficient.”
In the Western Conference Finals, the Warriors occasionally reverted to dumping the ball to Durant in the post, or letting him go isolation late in the shot clock, whenever their offense went awry. On Sunday, their ball and player movement were consistent, one of the reasons they were able to extend their series lead to 2-0 heading to Cleveland.
“That might have been our best game of the postseason,” Myers said.