The Golden State Warriors point guard Step Curry goes splashing for 3's - (Keith Allison photo)

The Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson drives to the basket - (Keith Allison photo)

Dramond Green - (NBA - photo)   Andre Igudola - (NBA - photo)   Shaun Livingston - (NBA - photo)

SPORTS NOTES - ARE THE DURANT LESS WARRIORS MORE INTERESTING?

James Loving/National Radio Text Service

The debate goes in are the Golden State Warriors a better team without Kevin Durant. When the current squad won their first title without him in 2015 they were the mighty mite splash brothers complimented with Dramond Green. They were the David's' against Goliath's'. With Dourest they became more stationary and boring BUT WINNING. The question comes down to… which style do fans prefer?

Monday, May 27, 2019

THE MIGHTY MITE WARRIORS

The debate goes on with opinions which some believe that the Golden State Warriors are a better team without Kevin Dourest. Since Dourest is currently injured the team has to dig down and prove that opinion to be somewhat right.

Most notably the greatest difference without Dourest is the team has to work harder on both ends of the floor. The splash brothers Step Curry and Kay Thompson have to return to the swarming, slashing style of play like swarming bees that sting opponents with their 3's.

With Durant they are more dangerous but the as swarming movement is less. The role of the splash brothers' game is reduced. Basically the style of play is not as electric and interesting and the have to play and fight harder to win without him.

The team's style of play in their first title in 2015 had fans on the edge of their seats. It was as if the Warriors were perceived as the little guys fighting giants. They were the mighty midgets or the David's against Goliath's'.

Dramond Green was the catalyst of that squad as he demonstrated the fight and determination that motivated to squad and gave it energy. He came through on both ends of the court and could be an offensive threat on occasion but his defense is exceptional. He is recognized as the firebrand of the team that oddly translates as being inspirational.

In an odd way injuries factor into the team developing strength it gives younger players on the bench time to step up and deliver with more playing time. When the injured player returns the team is stronger as they heal for strength.

In Durant you have one of the best players that ever played in the NBA that has won two NBA titles with the team and was on fire with success prior to his injury the reality is the team is stronger with him. The other revelation or argument is that the team is MORE INTERESTING WITHOUT HIM.

The team now has to return to the swarming attacking; cutting squad they were when they won their first NBA title without him in 2015. At that time it was also the first season that Steve Kerr tried for the first time to be an NBA head coach.

The bench was a major factor in the team's success. Currently two of the current teams first title Andre Igudola and Shaun Livingston remain and have been instrumental in the tams overall success when called upon they deliver

One of the most interesting moves that Kerr made was to reduce Andre Igudola to being a reserve. At the time that stood out to be a questionable decision since the then 31-year-old player was a member of the 2012 USA GOLD MEDAL OLYMPIC TEAM.

That indicated that he was one of the best basketball players in the USA. He helped Team USA win the gold medal against Spain in a 107-100 victory. He was selected for the team largely due to his exceptional defensive ability. Coach Mike Krzyzewski called Igudola one of the team's best players, and compared his game to that of Scottie Pippen.

For the Warriors Kerr's decision proved to be genius as Igudola was a major factor in the Warriors first title by making strong contributions off the bench. His maturity and national team experience was a factor to him being a role model and an inspiration to the squad's younger players.

Although he wasn't a starter Kerr utilized him for 26 minutes per game. That season he only averaged 7 ppg. but that increased to 10 ppg. during the playoffs. His playoff minutes increased to 30 mpg.

Shaun Livingston also turned to be a shining light coming off the Warriors bench He wasn't' called upon to deliver as much as Igudola but he was solid during the 2015 playoffs playing 18 mpg. while scoring 5 ppg.

Ironically although Livingston was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers out of high school as the 4th overall pick in the first round the more experienced Igudola was selected 9th overall. The two have traveled varied paths in the league in their journey to the Warriors it has been fruitful for both as they each have been members of al three of the Warriors three titles during the past four seasons.

There is no question that the Warriors are a stronger team with Durant BUT THEY ARE MORE INTERESTING WITHOUT HIM

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