Kevin Durant cleared to practice today ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals vs Toronto Raptors, as GSW look to make a comeback from 3-1
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Kevin Durant’s ability to play the rest of the NBA Finals might be the biggest deciding factor about whether this Warriors dynasty ends on a high or in tatters. No offense to the Raptors, but Durant is that special. He not only is the best scorer in the game from all three levels, he has incredible length that allows the Warriors to play Iguodala and Draymond Green without a traditional center irrespective of who the opponent puts in that center spot. Without Durant, Cousins, Iggy and Draymond can not provide enough offense and the Warriors length and mobility on defense.
Raptors to their credit seem to have this in their bag as long as Durant doesn’t return, but if he does, there will be a lot of talent on the floor for the Warriors and you won’t completely rule them out of getting 3 wins in a row. While there has been a lot of will he/ wont he regarding Durant’s return and a lot of whispers of discontent and resentment, it seems thing have finally started to move in the right direction.
After over 32 days missing from action with his calf strain, Kevin Durant has finally been cleared for training a day before game 5 that could be the end of the road for the dynasty Warriors. Durant had previously tried to do some drills post practice before game 4 but had failed to be successful in getting a positive result from it, so being cleared for full training is a big step.
However, Steve Kerr has preached caution, saying that KD will train with the junior players, and based on that further decision will be taken, so it isn’t yet the time for the Warriors fans to exhale, but its a step in the right direction and even if KD doesn’t make it to game 5 and the Warriors can pull off a win at Jurassic Park, game 6 would seem like a good time for KD to come back.
The shadow of Durant has loomed large over this series, but it has never been larger than this. Get Durant back and the dynamic of the series changes. Keep playing without Durant and Raptors look set in their role of legacy destroyers.
