Kevin Durant
The unstoppable scorer who delivered two titles and redefined the Warriors' dynasty.
Kevin Durant is a legendary figure in Golden State Warriors history, renowned for his tenure as the team's primary scoring option and second championship anchor during their mid-2010s dynasty. Arriving from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016, he joined an already formidable squad featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green to form one of the most dominant rosters in NBA history.
During his three seasons with the franchise (2016–2019), Durant transformed the Warriors' offensive ceiling, providing an unstoppable isolation scorer who could elevate the team when perimeter shooting was contained. His partnership with Curry redefined modern basketball spacing and efficiency, leading to back-to-back championships where Durant was named Finals MVP both times.
- Role
- Small Forward / Power Forward
- Tenure with Warriors
- 2016–2019
- Championships Won
- 2
- Finals MVP Awards
- 2
- All-Star Selections (with GSW)
- 3
Lore & Background
Kevin Durant's arrival in Oakland didn't just add a player; it shattered the NBA's competitive balance. After leading Oklahoma City to the brink of glory, his decision to join the defending 73-win champions felt less like a roster move and more like a surrender of the league's competitive integrity. Yet, once on the court, the skepticism evaporated into awe. Durant wasn't just a scorer; he was a glitch in the system—a 6'10" forward with a guard's touch and a release point so high it defied physics. He became the ultimate counter to any defensive scheme, turning isolation plays into surgical executions where no help defender could reach him without fouling.
In Their Own Story
The Oracle Arena held its breath in Game 5 of the 2017 Finals. The Cavaliers had found a rhythm, threatening to break the Warriors' momentum, until the ball settled in Durant's hands near the elbow. He didn't hesitate or drive into the thicket of defenders; he simply rose. His release point hovered just out of reach of even the tallest Cavs big men, a silent declaration that height was no longer an advantage for his opponents. As the net snapped with a sharp crack echoing through the Bay Area, the summer's controversy vanished instantly. The crowd didn't just cheer; they erupted into a realization that they were witnessing a player who had effectively declared himself the best on Earth.
Reader's Guide
Kevin Durant's tenure with Golden State (2016–2019) was defined by an offensive efficiency rarely seen in NBA history. Arriving after the team's historic 73-win season, he transformed the Warriors into a machine where spacing and gravity were weaponized. Standing at 6'10" with guard-like handling, Durant operated as an unguardable isolation threat who could score over anyone or drive past everyone. This versatility was the key to two consecutive titles (2017, 2018), earning him Finals MVP honors in both series. His playoff dominance in 2017 was particularly historic, averaging over 35 points per game while navigating tough series against the San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers with cold-blooded precision.
Did You Know?
- Durant is one of only two players in NBA history to win Finals MVP with multiple different franchises (joining Shaquille O'Neal).
- During his Warriors tenure, he averaged over 28 PPG while shooting nearly 50% from the field and 40% from three—a combination of volume and efficiency unmatched by any other superstar.
- He earned an All-NBA First Team selection in every single season he played for Golden State (2017, 2018, 2019).
- Despite his iconic status, Durant's #35 jersey has not been retired by the Warriors; the team maintains a strict policy of only retiring numbers for players who conclude their careers with the franchise.