While there were some quality performances turned in by Golden State Warriors players in this disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic, what stood out was the performance that wasn’t there.
Kevin Durant missed this game as the Warriors gave the hard-working forward some rest. To be certain, a Durant-less Warriors team could (and should ) have beat the Magic. But the way the Warriors let this game slip away, the reasons why they came up short, they all point to the important role Durant plays for this team and what he brings to the table on the basketball court
With the relentless media speculation rumors still swirling around Durant and the New York Knicks, it’s worth thinking about how Durant can make the difference for this team, whether in a quasi-meaningless late-February game or in a pivotal game in the NBA Finals.