June 3, 2025 • 53 mins
Israel gets the inside information on the Warriors quest for a third straight title in 2019 from DeMarcus Cousins and Steve Kerr. Kerith Burke and Anthony Slater give the behind the scenes stories from the Draymond Green and Kevin Durant infighting saga, and Danny Green remembers what it was like facing Golden State in the Finals as a member of the Raptors, including his perspective on fouling Klay Thompson on the play when Klay got injured.
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Dubb Dynasty as a production of iHeartMedia and the NBA.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
I'm not a risk production shot first passion, lead action.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Kip Hurt. Here's Johnson Jocks get.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Stummy here.
Speaker 5 (00:27):
Um umber three straight championship.
Speaker 6 (00:35):
Here from Chicago, seventeen seconds from Gage seven or from
Championship number six.
Speaker 7 (00:46):
Jordan help them Chicago with the lane, Michael Jordan running.
Speaker 6 (00:53):
On fumes with forty five points, stopping hut the sign
by the screen.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
What kind a piece of it?
Speaker 7 (01:04):
Let's just have won their six NBA chip and it's
their second reaping.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
What's away?
Speaker 8 (01:18):
A bird going wild? Here's fish from downtime. I'm not
to go sex point like her lash of us?
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Right her pray right tap crip.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Those are some final moments from the last three three
peats they've been in the NBA. That last one was
from the two thousand and two Lakers title, which happened
to feature former run TMC Warrior Mitch Richmond experiencing his
first NBA championship in the final season of his Hall
of Fame career. I'm Israel Gutierres and this is dub Dynasty.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
We left you.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
The Warriors had won their second consecutive title with relative
ease over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the finals, and Kevin
Durant had won his second consecutive Finals MVP.
Speaker 9 (02:13):
Award and this year the back to back NBA Finals MVP.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Kevin Durant.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Measuring strictly in gold trophies, It's as good of an
experience as Durant could have wanted when he joined the Warriors.
Whether or not the experience has matched his expectations, only
Durant could say, But the quest for greatness continued. Durant
and the Warriors were attempting to do something no one
had since the Shaq Kobe Lakers in two thousand and two.
(02:45):
Lebron certainly hadn't done it, failing at his only three
p chants in twenty fourteen against the Spurs. Tim Duncan
and the Spurs couldn't even win two in a row
while collecting five championships, but Durant was on the verge
of lifting the Warriors into that type of company. Golden
(03:06):
State still had to fill out its roster after losses
like Jajah Peculia and JaVale McGee. They'd replaced them with
the likes of Jonas Jerebko and former All Star big
man DeMarcus Cousins. The Warriors had already won two championships
for the now retired David West, but Cousins was a
(03:27):
more decorated player with the kind of size Golden State
could utilize. Even though Cousins was coming off in Achilles'
tear from his only full season with the New Orleans Pelicans,
he was still considered an unnecessary influx of talent to
a two time defending champion. It would take until January
before Cousins saw the floor, but it was still well
(03:48):
worth the addition, especially at just over five million dollars
for the season.
Speaker 10 (03:54):
Here's Cousins, I put my time in the league. I
did certain things that you know, I feel I deserved
and earned.
Speaker 11 (04:01):
In this league.
Speaker 10 (04:01):
So if I wasn't going to get what I felt
I deserved, you know, I was gonna make my own decision.
Speaker 11 (04:06):
And that's how the Warriors came about.
Speaker 10 (04:09):
And I felt like at the time, you know, obviously
I got injured, so I felt the league was trying
to use that against me. So I kind of, you know,
sent the you know, f you back to the league
and you know, called the Warriors. Obviously they were interested in.
You know, that's kind of how things transpired.
Speaker 12 (04:31):
From the outside.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Looking at the Warriors were possibly as loaded as they'd
ever been, and the pressure of winning a third straight
wasn't being received the way one would expect. Cousins is
a good player to view this twenty eighteen nineteen season thrill.
He derived desperate to win at the highest level, having
participated in zero playoff games to this point in his career,
(04:54):
but what he arrived to was a team with unusual
winning ways.
Speaker 11 (05:00):
Honestly, it was it was super laid back, and it
was my first time like being around a team like that.
But sometimes it felt like it was too laid back.
Like obviously I came into.
Speaker 10 (05:11):
A team that you had won championships and you know,
it was a pretty much well machine. But it was
some days like it was so late, Like it was
some days we would start the day off, we were
like walking into practice, we start to practice off watching
it calls and I'm just like, you know, I'm coming here,
obviously I have I don't have a championship, and I'm like,
(05:33):
what is this, Like, are we gonna get serious today?
Speaker 11 (05:35):
Are we gonna lock in the day? And it was
just like this care free, super laid back environment and
it worked.
Speaker 10 (05:42):
You know, it really worked. You know, guys were pretty
free for the most part. It was it was a
stress free environment. It was a really really player friendly,
like laid back type situation. And you know, those those
main core guys that were, you know, that foundation of
that team, they flourished.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
And for those core Warriors, the relaxed practice sessions were
necessary after years of deep playoff runs. One of the
primary concerns for Kerr and his coaching staff was to
monitor the minutes of his stars this season, making sure
(06:20):
they're not carrying too much of a load and potentially
injuring themselves. Careth Burke was on the sidelines almost every
game and spoke to Warriors players and coaches daily. She
noticed some of the challenges that came with pursuing a
three feet throughout the season, I think you could start.
Speaker 13 (06:37):
To see it in their legs and their minutes, and
I knew the training staff was feeling pretty stressed out
about making sure everybody was in tip top shape to play.
But there was this feeling of it will work both ways.
It's like, we can't do this forever, so let's seize
the moment. I mean instantly. I don't think the team
(06:58):
started this narrative, but I know media and fans are
starting to think of it. Well, gosh, if they went
back to back and this crew was coming back next year,
could they repeat? And that's just so much pressure on
a team. You don't even get to enjoy the moment,
the championship you just won, without thinking about the next
one you're projected to win. So I do remember that
hanging over the team a little bit, And ultimately it's
(07:20):
a compliment for who they were in that moment of time,
one of the best to do it ever. But that's
a lot to carry with you all the time, like
the next one and the next one and the next one.
And there was a degree of fan expectation that I
think got to be a little bit too big.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
So if any Warriors players were to put together historic nights,
it would have to come in an efficient manner. Enter
Klay Thompson, the author of the thirty seven point quarter
and the sixty points in twenty nine minutes, had one
more stroke of scoring genius he wanted to show off.
(07:59):
Thompson was just coming off his most efficient season fIF date,
shooting four twenty nine percent from the field and forty
four from three in the seventeen eighteen season, so you
could imagine he was feeling great about a third year
playing next to Duran. That was most evident in the
eighth game of the season on October twenty nine in Chicago.
You could tell it was going to be a Clay Knight.
(08:21):
In the first quarter, Lay Thompson again maybe six of seven.
The cameras cut to steep Kerr after that six', three
and he had a wide smile in his face that
seemed to, say.
Speaker 11 (08:35):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Again thompson had twenty two points after the first quarter
and was on pace to Surpass kobe's legendary eighty one
if he kept up this insane pace With. Clay you
never know if the flurry will be contained to one.
Quarter but this one had more. Legs even as The
(08:56):
warriors were destroying The, bulls the game had. INTRIGUE i
don't Think clay up come out for the gainst forty
AND i think.
Speaker 14 (09:02):
He Has Y.
Speaker 15 (09:04):
Thompson he's got forty, one, okay but he also has eleven.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Threes.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Jim THE nba record for three pointers made in a
game was thirteen at the time held by just one.
Person it Was Steph, curry of, course who'd accomplished the
feat against The pelicans during the twenty sixteen to seventeen.
Season Zach lavigne And Damian lillard have also hit thirteen
in a game since. Then thompson wanted the single game
(09:31):
record for. Himself the problem was The warriors were up
one hundred and two to fifty eight When clay hit
his eleventh three. Point kerk could have sat his starters
the remainder of the game and they'd probably still win
that game by double. Figures So thompson had to work.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Quickly players got another, One he got through the. Back,
well he's. Won away from the record.
Speaker 7 (09:57):
Defense draymont And damien catch you joo, Free they're.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
Not He's Tom, Steph and with four.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Point fifty three left in the third, Quarter thompson made
shooting history. Again FOR nba, history.
Speaker 3 (10:14):
Two threes an game has never been until.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Time thompson finished fourteen of twenty four from three for
forty two of his fifty two. Points he did it
in twenty six minutes and thirty three seconds of playing.
Speaker 16 (10:28):
Time it's the best, feeling especially to see how happy
your teammates all for. You it's all love between, us
and these guys have my back at all. TIMES i
know What i'm capable, of especially you, know in the
first six seven, games it wasn't really hitting from three
point live and they come out like. This IT'S i
give all the credit THAT i am because they were
trying to find me as much as they.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Could for one. Game, anyway he was the splashiest of the,
brothers and it could have set the tone for a
celebratory season of more impressive. Accomplishments, instead it was just
a pleasant distraction to what would be an emotionally taxing.
Season that's because there was another element to this season
(11:09):
that created an internal, distress perhaps even greater than the
THREE p. Chase durant would become a free agent again
after this, season and while technically he could have been
a free agent after each of the first two seasons
With Golden, state this would feel like the first Time
durant might actually pursue outside. Possibilities he signed another one
(11:31):
year deal with a player option for a second. Year
that meant questions about his future past the eighteen nineteen
season would come. Constantly it would be a steady source
of frustration For durant and the rest of The. Warriors
As burke.
Speaker 13 (11:45):
Explains it Was kevin's free agency and the uncertainty of
what he wanted for his, future and he didn't want
to talk about it a. Lot BUT i think that's
because he truly didn't. KNOW i don't think he had
had anything decided until maybe of that. YEAR i really
think he went into that year, SAYING i don't, Know
(12:07):
i've just got to feel it, out OR i want
the time to. DECIDE i think a lot of those
guys wanted the championship feelings to subside a little bit
and enjoy a summer and have a break from basketball
and then have some kind of. Clarity so because his
own teammates and Even steve did not know WHAT kd was,
thinking how did they make plans for the future or
(12:27):
how do they know how to deal with this? Guy
so there was just, tension that's the best way to put.
Speaker 9 (12:32):
It.
Speaker 13 (12:32):
Tension AND i KNOW kd didn't like being the source
of that, tension but he was and you have. To
so everywhere he went on the road was that feeling
of is this the last time you're playing here in
A warrior? Uniform all the media members had to ask
him the same questions because that was the only time
they would get to do, It so stuff just got
(12:54):
repetitive for. Him as far as, CRACKS i, mean maybe
the one that was the most visible was in That clippers.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Game That clippers. Game it's somewhat mind boggling that after
two years of the ultimate success, together the demise of
this corps can come down to That clippers game On november,
twelfth twenty, eighteen not even the entire, game, actually just
the end of regulation and the ensuing break before. Overtime
(13:24):
that was when a divide Between durant And Draymond green
appeared to expose itself for all the cameras to, catch
and it seemed to already be too large a gap to.
Bridge winning is labeled a cure, all but even some
of the most successful teams IN nba history have infamous
feuds within. Them among the most notable were those three
(13:46):
FEET La, lakers who seemed to succeed despite the constant
bickering Between Kobe bryant And shiquil. O'Neal These warriors would
throw their name on the list of winners with internal
squad and it started With Golden state's second to last
possession of regulation in a tie. Game that was When
durant had an opportunity to put The warriors. Ahead he
(14:10):
grabbed a, rebound checked the time on the, clock and
dribbled into a full up three that missed with thirty seconds.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
Left williams trying to untie. It he has had a
miserable shooting night that he's in and out on that
one as.
Speaker 15 (14:27):
Well, williams he's three and Fifteen durand for three found
he cannot foul and he took the quick one because
the worst he gets the final possession is.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Accurate Lou williams of The clippers would barely hit the
rim on his next shot at, him Leaving Draymond green
with the rebound and five seconds left in. Regulation As
green gathered the, ball he was running up the right
side of The Staples center, floor To green's left and
(14:58):
slightly trailing. Him durant aggressively clapped for the ball three.
Times rather than pass back To, durant who just missed
on a chance to take the, Lead green pushed the
ball up the, floor only to turn it over as time.
Speaker 15 (15:12):
Expired here's the Crafty williams, again down to Three agadala
stayed down, outside almost.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
Like an airball had ticked. Iron they don't use a
time out at.
Speaker 8 (15:21):
Three, raymond at, two they gotta get a shot, off
and they.
Speaker 15 (15:25):
Don't it will go to, overtime which is still a
win for The, warriors but you would have.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
Loved to have had a shot to win the.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Game as they walked back to the, bench there wasn't
much of a sign of, frustration but the tension became
much more. Obvious as the break. Continued durant And green
could be seen having a heat of. Discussion on one
end of the team, Gathering Andrea gudala was attempting to
Calm durant, down while on the other, End draymond was
(15:55):
returning to the floor With cousins And Sean livingston trying
to settle. Him The warriors would go on to lose
the game in. Overtime cousins hadn't been around for the
previous two, seasons but he could see the kind of
effect that time together had on these two cornerstones of the. Organization, uh.
Speaker 11 (16:15):
It was just some things said that shouldn't have been,
said and up and lines were.
Speaker 10 (16:21):
Crossed so you, KNOW i can understand somebody feeling it
a certain type of way once the line was, crossed
especially as grown.
Speaker 11 (16:28):
Men so you, know once that situation.
Speaker 10 (16:31):
Kind of, happened you know the way The warriors moved
they you, know they, quickly you, know made sure they resolved.
It and for the most, part that's what. Happened but,
uh you, know their private conversations were kind of never.
Shared it was kind of between those. Two but you,
KNOW i was sitting By draymond right after the dancing that,
happened and we even sat by each other on the,
(16:51):
plane and, uh you, KNOW i was one of those
guys as, well Like, draymond you need to fix this.
Situation you, know you need to speak up. First it
should start with an. Apology and you, Know draymond and
him eventually got it figured. Out you, know they moved
on from. It you know how great of a relationship
they have is They i'm not really sure, that you,
KNOW i got a lot of respect from both of the, guys.
Speaker 11 (17:13):
But they were resolved in the best, way and you,
know we tried to move.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Forward this wasn't an ordinary disagreement among. Teammates first of,
all it Was, november the stress of the season hadn't
even hit, yet and here Where durant And green having
to be, separated and based on just how obviously Desperate
iguadala And cousins were to help squash, it you could
(17:39):
tell this argument had a lot more weight to it
if the reactions of teammates wasn't enough to label this
dispute a fracture within the. Team the reaction from The
warriors front office certainly Was green was suspended for one
game for his. Actions durant was not. Disciplined that seemed
to allow blame to be placed In draymond's, direction and
(18:02):
With durant And pa ding free, agency it was also
seen by some as pandering To kde and hopes he'd
resigned With Golden. State once, again Here's.
Speaker 13 (18:12):
Burke they lost a big game and cameras caught, it
and they were having that argument about who was doing.
What but that was that was just like flow of
the game basketball.
Speaker 7 (18:23):
STUFF i.
Speaker 13 (18:24):
THOUGHT i remember sitting and waiting at an away. Game right,
afterward they came out onto the floor for shoot around.
TALKING i, mean they weren't frosting each. Other it was
not that cold as it looked from the. Outside BUT
i do understand why that is like a narrative point
of the fracturing between this team And draymond will tell,
(18:45):
you AND i actually kind of agree with him that
The warriors didn't handle that the right. WAY i don't
think he should have been. SUSPENDED i think that was
just an argument between, teammates a misunderstanding. There but it
happened to blow up and The warriors were TREATING kd
a little. Differently, okay here we need to talk about this.
Too that last, season because The warriors didn't know if
(19:06):
he was staying or, going everyone was on eggshells Around.
Katie he was aware of.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
It he didn't like.
Speaker 13 (19:13):
IT i mean he even told Media he's like in
the locker, room, like, guys are you afraid to talk to?
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Me what's going?
Speaker 13 (19:18):
On like people just weren't approaching him. Anymore that we
were kind of giving him distance and wondering are the
little storm clouds over his head? Today is he had
a joky mood? Today sometimes he can be a hard
guy to. Read so there's just all sorts of things swirling,
around AND i think The warriors felt like they had
to put kat on a little bit of a pedestal
to see if he was going to stay to see
(19:38):
if they could make him. Stay AND i think they
handled that situation With draymond.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Wrong looking, Back Steve kerr believes the organization Handled green.
Speaker 17 (19:47):
Properly, no there's no no regrets for suspending. Him you,
know what he did was blatantly wrong and they deserved
to be.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Suspended if The warriors play fall heowing the suspension was
any indication this dispute Between green And durant did affect
the group as a. Whole this was easily the worst
stretch for The Kadie, warriors losing eight of thirteen. Games
making matters worse For durant Was curry missed many of
these games with a groin, strand giving the impression that
(20:22):
The warriors don't operate as well When durant is the
focal point of the. Offense as opposed To, Curry durant
is something of a victim of his own, greatness given
the ease with which he can. Score sometimes running offense
isn't as necessary as it is When curry is in the.
Lineup that can create a stagnant offense that relies on
(20:44):
isolation a bit too, much even for someone as good
an isolation As. Durant but it wasn't just the players
who seemed a tad board with the regular. Season the
media was often looking past the season and wondering About
durant's pending free. Agency Here's, burke.
Speaker 13 (21:01):
All the other guys retired of being asked about kad
When katie didn't want to speak for himself because he
was tired about. It so that storyline just dominated the.
YEAR i also remember feeling like they knew how good
they were and that their chances that they were favored
to win another. Championship So january was an absolute. Slog
(21:22):
anytime they faced one of the bottom dwellers in the,
league it was, Like, oh is this going to be
a trap? Game or can they muster the energy to
give a frankly about this team when they know that
the real prize is in the. Postseason in some games
they could. Not some games they just could, not and
they had a hard time hiding.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
That Come, january at least The warriors had another pleasant
distraction that would at the very least focus the attention
on a positive. Storyline DeMarcus cousins would make his return
from an achilles injury On january. Eighteenth he was a
bruising center that also had a three point shooting, range
seemingly a perfect fit to complement this. Group cousins could
(22:04):
also provide some relief That, Curry, Durant, green And thompson
all desperately. Needed despite not playing for his first few
months In Golden, State cousins was fitting right, in especially
because of a growing friendship With. Dreaming we clicked day.
Speaker 10 (22:20):
One, obviously me And draymond spent time together With TEAM,
usa so we really got cool.
Speaker 11 (22:25):
Then we you, know we picked on each other a.
Speaker 10 (22:27):
Lot we were always joking on one, another so our
relationship started to form. Then and, uh you, know ONCE
i got traded there and brought In, draymond crazy. Thing
we literally it was like a two minute walk from
my house to, his so we ended up being basically.
Speaker 11 (22:42):
Neighbors and he ended up coming over my house the
first DAY.
Speaker 10 (22:46):
I moved, in and you, know we just kind of
kicked it and, talked and you, know he kind of
gave me the layer of the, land and you, know
from day one he kind of you, know put his
arm around me and made that transition for me a
little bit more. Easy by the, time you, KNOW i
got back on my, feet the league had, evolved AND
i was just basically two years so the defenses were
a lot. Different the game had kind of sped up
(23:08):
a lot more than the last TIME i officially, played
SO i had to get used to the pace as.
Well but, offensively for the most, part most of the
group was so talented and so great like for the most,
part if you made a mistake on, offense it was
being covered up either By Kevin, Durant Steph, curry Or Glay,
thoms so most mistakes turned into an assist or you,
(23:30):
know a play to.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
Celebrate despite time off from The, Achilles cousins played thirty
regular season games for The warriors and averaged sixteen, points
eight rebounds in one and a half. BLOCKS i just actually.
Speaker 9 (23:44):
Got by For.
Speaker 15 (23:45):
Reid how About DeMarcus cousins Beating farried And tucker e
mc with the reverse right.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
Around The warriors finished the regular season with fifty seven,
wins one less than in the previous, season but still
a top The Western.
Speaker 12 (23:59):
Conference if the fractures.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
From The november dust up would show, themselves it would
be in the. Playoffs and who would The warriors face
in the first round of a three peat? Attempt it
would be The, clippers meaning The warriors would play at
least two playoff games on the court Where draymond And katie.
Feuded making things more, difficult The warriors would lose their starting.
(24:32):
Center just two games into the, playoffs after The warriors
Took game, One cousins tore a left quadriceps muscle while
pursuing a loose. Ball the diagnosis would Keep cousins out
for an extended, period possibly for the entirety of the.
Playoffs and you.
Speaker 9 (24:49):
Hope That cousins is not hurt because he's staying down
on the floor on the defensive being grabbing his left.
Speaker 8 (24:56):
Hip Carrier tody had to steal that landed hard and
it's a three part poor.
Speaker 17 (25:01):
Shobbit Heck DeMarcus cousins toward the.
Speaker 11 (25:06):
Bench he has to come, Out.
Speaker 9 (25:08):
MARVIN i don't know if the team saw, it and they,
did and they're calling that for, him and he looks
very frustrated running to the.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
Side and In game, two another regular season issue popped.
Speaker 9 (25:18):
Up in the.
Speaker 1 (25:18):
Postseason Golden state lost one thirty five to one thirty
one as The clippers tied the. Series durant finished with
twenty one points on just eight shot attempts, well.
Speaker 8 (25:30):
Do The La clippers hot The warriors court here At.
Speaker 1 (25:38):
Oracle the following, day after A warrior's, Practice Anthony slater
Asked durant about his lack of shot attempts in a
home playoff.
Speaker 18 (25:46):
Game they were playing A clippers team that, is like
they don't Have Paul, Georgia Kwhi leonard yet it's Like
Pat Bevery Lou, Williams Montrez, harrow like completely overwhelmed talent.
Wise The warriors wax him in the first, Game game
two at. Home you kind of just expected them to
sweep that. SERIES kd at the time is and they
(26:07):
would tell you even late in the regular, season as
he was in some ways just grumbling about the whole
situation in. General he was kind of playing very, passively
like he'd still he'd score seventeen on like five or
six shooting and like mostly stand in the corner like hey,
whatever you, Know and they were winning, games but it
was like they were trying to, like, hey we don't
need like needs you to just take six, Shots, like,
yes you scored seventeen off five or, six but how
(26:29):
about like thirty four on you, know twelve to seventeen
it's playoff, time let's. Go and then they had won
the first, game and then the second game they blew
like a thirty point, lead partly because you, Know beverly
was really In kd's jersey and the kind of the
postgame storyline and that was like and you, know of
Course Pat beverly leaned into. It it was just, like,
oh the pest had like BOTHERED. Kd and THEN i
(26:52):
remember asking him at in that you know Old oakland
practice facility about that about, like you, know the Way
Patrick bevry was.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Playing durant's answer was, detailed, informative and very much let
you into the complicated dynamic between one of the most
gifted scorers of all time and his coach's fluid, movement
heavy offense designed to get the shooters great. Looks he
ended the explanation with the reminder of who he, is
(27:24):
just in case anyone. Forgot, well we had a nice.
Speaker 19 (27:28):
Flow of the. Game you, know let's go back to
the whole last month of the. Season we've been playing
this way for a, while and when we got to this,
series you, know game, one we had some nice. Momentum
they're playing a gimmick defense which has been working top
lock and everything on the, perimeters so guys not even
looking at a three point. Line they're just forcing guys
inside the three point. Line so for, us WHEN i
get the ball on my, spots you, KNOW i got
(27:48):
a Pest Patrick, beverley who was up underneath. Me, WELL
i could definitely shoot over the top of the score
every time if there's a one on one, Situation but
we got a guy that's dropping and, helping and then
we got another guy that's just sitting.
Speaker 11 (27:58):
On me waiting for me to driggle to. Basketball i'll
put the.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
Basketball on the, FLOOR i.
Speaker 19 (28:03):
Can you, KNOW i could probably make forty three percent
of my shots IF i shoot him like.
Speaker 11 (28:06):
That but that's not really gonna do nothing.
Speaker 19 (28:08):
For us at h with the outcome of the, game you,
know because we got a nice. Flow everybody touching the,
rock everybody's shooting the. Scoring So i'm not gonna Let
i'm not gonna get in the away of the game
because you, KNOW i want to have a little back
and forth With Patrick.
Speaker 11 (28:21):
Bedbley I'm Kevin.
Speaker 9 (28:22):
Durant you know WHO i.
Speaker 11 (28:25):
AM i know WHO i.
Speaker 1 (28:27):
Am the clip gained plenty of traction as it Showed
durant at his most self assured despite the playoff, loss
he'd go on to show, everyone especially The, clippers what
it meant that he Was Kevin durant. Right he ended
The clipper season over the next four games with totals
(28:50):
of thirty, eight thirty, three forty, five and fifty. Points
in the Closeout game, six.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
Good opportunity For durant to go two for, one try
to get a quick shot. Up durant does three pointer.
Speaker 7 (29:02):
Bang kevin durantce got thirty six in the Lead balloons to.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Nineteen cousins was out with his quaet injury While durant
was closing out the, series but he wasn't surprised one.
Bit But durant's response After game, Two, WELL.
Speaker 10 (29:19):
Kd, man he's just about his business and that's SOMETHING
i always admired. About he says a, standard he sticks
to his standard every single.
Speaker 11 (29:27):
Day he's a very schedule oriented type of.
Speaker 10 (29:32):
GUY i THINK kd was at a point where he
was so so damn, good LIKE i think he used
some of, that AND i may be. Wrong this is
just my perspective of, it BUT i THINK i thought
he was using a lot of the outside noise to
kind of fuel, him and it was maybe perceive the
wrong way from the.
Speaker 11 (29:50):
Outside and he also didn't really let us. In you,
know that's his. Decision but for, ME i felt like
he used a lot of stuff to just kind of
motivate him because.
Speaker 10 (30:01):
He just he's at a level of great to where
like after he got his first, ONE i think he
was just looking for more. MOTIVATION i don't think that
first one fulfilled you, know that hunger or whatever that
missing place was, for so you, know the next ones after,
THAT i think he was just searching for motivation to you,
(30:22):
know really really want to go and get it.
Speaker 11 (30:24):
Again so AND i could be completely, wrong and that's
just my.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
Perception Whether durant's motivations came from the outside noise or
his internal, drive it wouldn't matter much come the next.
Round waiting for The warriors where they're postseason nemesis The Houston,
Riots and after four, games the series was, tied with
both teams winning their two home.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
Games, well it's a four point lead for the, lockage
two point nine Long, green here's Door.
Speaker 3 (30:55):
Green that's.
Speaker 5 (30:57):
It this series has just gotten incredibly.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
Changed then Came game, five in the midst of another
close battle against a bitter, Rival durant suffered an injury
that could have derailed the rest of the.
Speaker 5 (31:14):
PLAYOFFS a nervous trialve with their feet back and cry
Against tuterran.
Speaker 11 (31:21):
Top back to the isruation of one on one.
Speaker 5 (31:24):
Ball It's durant was shut up Cotn Kevin durant laces.
Speaker 8 (31:28):
One throw and he.
Speaker 5 (31:30):
Hurt he is holding on to his white achilles as
hard works into a Dude allen who just picked up
The Golden state.
Speaker 1 (31:37):
Five what was most troubling About durant's injury was that
he looked back after experiencing, pain as if checking to
see what. Hit it's a classic response when someone tears
their achilles. Ten people often report feeling like they were
kicked in the back of the leg when experiencing a.
Tear Anthony slater was there and made sure to Ask
(31:59):
durant what most of the viewing audience was.
Speaker 18 (32:01):
Thinking and THEN i remember seeing him in the post
game locker room going over and, like you, know because
there are people that you, know the, internet doctors want to, Know,
hey wasn't an. Achilles wasn't not but he. Was he
was showing me, like, no it's lower calf it was
a calf. Strain it was a bad calf. String he
misses the end of That houston series WITHOUT. Kd they
Start Andrew, bogan who was suddenly back on the team years,
(32:22):
later like last season of his, Career Andrew, boget they
started him In kd's place and went like real old
School warriors Where livingston had a big game he could
all these guys really late in their careers In game
six In houston and beat The. Rockets and it is
if you talk to like all The Dynasty warriors peoples,
now it's one of their like three favorite wins that
they've ever. Had it was just this like fight back
(32:44):
against the idea that now That kevin was, out they
weren't gonna do.
Speaker 3 (32:47):
It curry thirty three points in the second, Half that'll do.
Speaker 7 (32:54):
It The old The State warriors advanced to their fifth
Consecutive Western Calference finals.
Speaker 3 (32:59):
For the second straight.
Speaker 7 (33:00):
Year they eliminate The rockets here In, houston as they
take the series in six, games and they Win game
six Without Kevin.
Speaker 1 (33:07):
Durant it was a feel good, moment but only for
those actually. Involved For, durant who was sitting out and
watching the Old warriors dynamic. Thrive it somehow became a
source of. Frustration as The warriors were sweeping The trailblazers
in The conference finals without, Him durant was hearing how
(33:28):
The warriors don't truly need him and that there are
two different versions of The warriors With katie and without Here, SLATER.
Speaker 18 (33:37):
I Remember kevin did a press conference at the, TIME
i think in the middle of The blazer series where
he was really, upset why does it always have to
be The warriors AND? Kd The warriors and Kt because
suddenly The warriors were playing really well WITHOUT, kd and
the conversation had you got to do they even need?
Him i'm, like you, Know and he was upset within,
that and then they go and Play. Toronto he's still
trying to come off the capstra and we're Asking steve every,
(33:59):
day you, know is he nearing a?
Speaker 20 (34:02):
Return is he nearing a?
Speaker 18 (34:03):
Return it was very pressurized for him to.
Speaker 1 (34:05):
Come back for their. Part Steve kerr and The warriors
weren't giving any Indications durant would return for THE Nba.
Speaker 21 (34:11):
FINALS i think everyone needs to slow down a little
bit on The kevin. Stuff he hasn't even stepped on
the floor, Yet so you, know we've we've tried to
remain somewhat vague because the injury is really sort of
(34:32):
open ended in terms of how long he's going to
need to. Recover BUT i think in doing, so maybe
people have gotten the idea that he's going to come,
back and Maybe Willis reid or something.
Speaker 11 (34:45):
He's he's he hasn't even stepped on the floor.
Speaker 21 (34:47):
Yet he still has, pain so he's there's some time
ahead of him on the rehab.
Speaker 11 (34:54):
Process so we'll have a more detailed up update On.
Speaker 1 (34:57):
Thursday while the world was waiting For durant, news The
Toronto raptors would be waiting for The warriors in the. Finals,
finally after four straight years of Facing lebron and The
cavaliers in the, finals The Golden state would face a
familiar opponent in a New Land Kawhi leonard had been
(35:26):
traded to The raptors before the eighteen nineteen, season and
With james now out of The Eastern conference and In Los,
Angeles leonard was able to carry The raptors to the
finals with wins over The magic seventy Six. Ers remember
that four bound series winner From leonard and The Milwaukee bucks.
Speaker 5 (35:43):
Gets off The leonard defended By simmons is The.
Speaker 22 (35:57):
Zones.
Speaker 1 (35:59):
Two toronto built a largely trin group Around, leonard which
included Former Spur Danny, green who'd already had multiple playoff
battles with The. Warriors he Knew durant's absence would be,
big but not large enough to Overlook Golden. State the
Way green described, it there actually were two versions of
(36:21):
The warriors with and Without.
Speaker 22 (36:23):
Durant we could not take them. Lightly to, Me katie was,
great and he's a good piece for. THEM i, thought
and this is, CRAZY i think as a young kid back,
then was, LIKE i think the ball they move a little,
less and the ball moves a little less When katie
is on the, Floor SO i thought it might be
even though he's hard to guard, INDIVIDUALLY i thought as a,
group it would be easier for us to guard them without.
(36:46):
Him they have so much more ball, movements so much more,
movement AND i was, like that's going to be more
of a bitch to guard than With katie's on the.
Floor even though they were still very, good they still
moved very well with, Him.
Speaker 1 (36:58):
SO i was, like, yeah we can't let up The
warriors were also getting back another useful, Piece Marcus. Cousins
he and The warriors' medical staff worked some minor miracles
to get him back on the floor after the Quadter
cousins wasn't his usual, self but he wanted to contribute
in any way possible for.
Speaker 10 (37:17):
ME i was hungry to, play meaning for. BASKETBALL i
wanted to be on the ultimate. STAGE i wanted to
play for a. Championship so that's something THAT i was
always hungry for SINCE i stepped foot in the. League
and you, know LIKE i, said my first two, STOPS
i wasn't able to be a part of that or
had those opportunities to compete at that. Level so WHEN
(37:40):
i finally got that, OPPORTUNITY i wanted. It you, KNOW
i wanted to leave it all on the floor AND
i could live whatever results were the, results you, know
BECAUSE i KNOW i was leaving EVERYTHING i had on the.
Speaker 1 (37:51):
Floor through four, games, though it was evident the Shorthanded
warriors needed. Assistance Even Klay thompson Missed game three with
a hamstring, injury and despite being at home and getting
forty seven From, steph The warriors Dropped game three and
went on to Lose game four as.
Speaker 7 (38:09):
Well ye SEE i, come throws it up and in The,
raptors putting on finishing touches on the biggest win in franchise.
Speaker 3 (38:17):
HISTORY a lot of the fans channing. Again they are
well aware this could be the last game at Our Golden.
Speaker 1 (38:24):
State was one loss from, elimination and all eyes shifted To.
Durant there had been rumors he could return to play
In game, five but no one was. Sure durant did.
Return perhaps under the pressure of the, Moment durant attempted
to return too soon after his cap, strip but it
didn't appear. So in that first, Quarter durant would score
(38:47):
eleven first quarter points as The warriors took a six point,
lead and, suddenly for at least a, moment The warriors were.
BACK a three p was still a. Possibility carries To.
Speaker 3 (38:59):
Durant there's his first shot and it looks pretty.
Speaker 23 (39:02):
Good, There.
Speaker 1 (39:03):
Ronalds but just a few minutes into the second, Quarter
durant was isolating Against Serge ibaka when he suddenly pulled
up and started hopping on his left leg before going
to the floor and holding his right.
Speaker 3 (39:17):
Leg he's not gonna try to stay With, durant not
to the way And durant. Slipping duranta goes down holding his.
Legs evaca goes.
Speaker 7 (39:25):
Up had a style down beyond the rand And durant
grabbing that right leg.
Speaker 3 (39:33):
It's the right calf put him.
Speaker 11 (39:36):
Out.
Speaker 3 (39:39):
And these teammates going over to check on.
Speaker 1 (39:41):
Him at that, moment we were all. Orthopedists everyone knew
it was an achilles's. Tear even the look On durant's
face had an immediate look of despair and almost, acceptance
as if he was going through immediate stages of. Grief
durant had to know this was a risk and if
(40:03):
his achilles were, tear then a long year of rehab would.
Await but this was the chance to be the ultimate,
hero return from significant, injury win three, games go down
in history as the savior in a three peet and
maybe finally taking your comfortable place in The Golden State
(40:24):
warriors family. Forever, instead this felt like more of an,
ending immediate and. Tragic Mike breen called the game and
Felt durant's.
Speaker 24 (40:40):
Anguish my feeling, was you, know he's not going to
come back unless he's ready to come, Back AND i
think that a lot of people felt the same.
Speaker 20 (40:48):
Way and everybody felt they got a chance to win this.
Thing and you, know hindsight is. Easy i'm saying you
probably shouldn't, have but it shows you where his head
was at and the kind of competitive that he was
and wanted to get another championship for that.
Speaker 24 (41:01):
Team but from WHAT i, remember everybody's talking, about they're, Thought,
okay they're going to come.
Speaker 20 (41:06):
Back he's going to lead, them and there's a really
good chance they're.
Speaker 11 (41:09):
Going to win.
Speaker 20 (41:09):
AGAIN i don't really remember a lot of people questioning.
It there's always one or.
Speaker 24 (41:13):
TWO i think they probably, said, alway shouldn't come, Back
BUT i think the majority people, felt all, right he's,
ready he's ready to come back and help them. Win
it just seemed to signal the, end at least for
that particular that group in terms of their dynasty and
with him, again because you watch him in all his,
greatness in all the, joy and you can almost feel.
Speaker 3 (41:37):
The pain that he was.
Speaker 24 (41:38):
In the emotional Pain i'm talking, about not the physical,
pain the emotional pain knowing that he can't help them
right now because he's incapable of doing. It that's always
the hardest thing with competitors like, that with great, players
when you see them go, down whether you root for
that team or, not you have such unbelievable respect for
(41:58):
how hard they play and how much it means to
them that you can become emotional when you see a
great player go down knowing that he can't he's incapable
right now helping his. Team and that's WHY i felt
that it was just hard to, watch because what a
great player he, is what a great joy he brought
to the, sport and the type of player he.
Speaker 1 (42:16):
Was with the injury happening in the first, half that
left plenty of time For internet critics to question Whether
durant should have been playing at. All all of it
was enough to make general Manager Bob myers especially emotional
as he addressed the media With durant news after the.
Speaker 4 (42:32):
Game kevin had it's an achilles. INJURY i don't know
the extent of.
Speaker 23 (42:48):
It he'll have AN mri. Tomorrow prior to coming, back
he went through four weeks with our medical team and
he was thorough and it was experts and multiple arise
and multiple, doctors and we felt good about the. Process
(43:13):
he was cleared to play. Tonight that was a collaborative.
DECISION i don't believe there's anybody to. Blame BUT i
understand this, world and if you have, to.
Speaker 11 (43:32):
You can blame.
Speaker 4 (43:32):
ME i run our basketball operations.
Speaker 1 (43:35):
Department but here's where this ending For, durant which for
all intents and, purposes it felt like was almost a
perfect encapsulation of his experience In Golden. State just Before
myers had held that tearful press, conference The ogs The
Splash brothers put together a vintage flurry with less than
(43:59):
three minutes. Left The raptors led ONE o three to ninety,
seven appearing on the verge of winning the franchisees first.
Championship that's When Clay thompson And Steph, curry Without durant to,
go come back To.
Speaker 7 (44:13):
Curry Van fleet, Claps, Thompson topson finds an opening, Freak winter's.
Speaker 9 (44:18):
Up he's.
Speaker 7 (44:19):
Good Clay thompson from downtown.
Speaker 3 (44:21):
And it's back to. Three murry has the. BALL a
minute and a half, Later curry gets a, look fires,
away ties the. Game Steph curry from.
Speaker 7 (44:35):
Downtown curry pushing it, Out Van fleet in pursuit A
cadala back out the.
Speaker 3 (44:41):
Green tompson one, fake.
Speaker 7 (44:43):
One, dribble one, shot got it call at Stake reed
takes the lead time Out toronto water turn around for The.
Warriors nine straight points by the defendant.
Speaker 3 (44:56):
Champs incredible arguing into the hands Of Kawhi, leonard that kids.
Speaker 7 (45:03):
Remaining leonard back up Ben, fleet Ben fleet kicks it
Out Lowry lowry for the Wind Won't GO MLB A
game six In. Oakland an inspiring performance from The Golden
State warriors after they blew a big.
Speaker 3 (45:18):
Lead they were up fourteen of the second. Half toronto came,
back went up by.
Speaker 7 (45:22):
Six this was the scene at the watch party In
oracle and that's where The warriors will play one more.
Speaker 1 (45:28):
Time Danny green was on the floor during That Golden
state comeback and he remembers the loss stinging even more
once he got to his phone in the locker.
Speaker 22 (45:38):
Room AND i remember reading after the game one of
my homies text, me congrats men on the championship and
because he was catching a flight and he thought For
shore we winning that game were like minute or two
left and we ended up in the.
Speaker 4 (45:49):
Bed but they made it a.
Speaker 22 (45:51):
Game and Then game six is, like, yeah we've got
to win here because we just don't never know it
happened in game.
Speaker 1 (45:55):
Seven adding to the potential finality of it all for The.
Warriors they were moving to their shiny new, arena The,
chase starting in the twenty nineteen twenty. Season that meant
The warriors would play their final game In Oracle arena
In game six win and maybe the vibes carry The
warriors to A game seven win In toronto and a
(46:16):
three pet, lose and it could be the stunning end
to a dynastic run right in front of the home fan's.
Eyes this would be A game, six, however and The
warriors still had Play. Thompson if there ever was a
time to unleash the sport's greatest luxury, item it was right.
Now and for most of this game he didn't disappoint.
Speaker 7 (46:39):
Them tops it off the tribble to The laf's.
Speaker 1 (46:43):
Good Here's green.
Speaker 22 (46:45):
Unconscious i'm like this guy and he was making everything.
Somehow the ball would always roll or bounce to. Him
on a loose ball wide.
Speaker 11 (46:52):
Open from the third, play we would.
Speaker 22 (46:53):
Scramble and hit the ball dobbin and next You oly
should just bounce his right To clay's feet while he's wide.
Open tee and hisself from three and His game six
and he's already got like five or six of. Them
why is he always open and with the ball when
everything is going to you know What i'm. Saying so
it just found. Him the energy found, him the rhythm found,
him and he was just. Unconscious he was, confident and
(47:14):
he was playing some of his best. Basketball and that's
why you know he's a hall of. Famer i'm saying
those years he was a hall of. Famer he was really.
Good he should be end up being A hall of.
Speaker 20 (47:21):
Famer it's all said and, done.
Speaker 11 (47:22):
But, yes that's what.
Speaker 17 (47:24):
Happened He game, six he was killing.
Speaker 11 (47:27):
Us game, Six clay.
Speaker 3 (47:31):
Tops in the long, preak he got again Play tompson
in the soul all, seriously five for, Two tops it For.
Speaker 1 (47:44):
Greade that would Be thompson's last bucket in this, game
fittingly a bang from Brien. Mere moments, later after A raptor's,
Turnover clay went up for a with a Trailing Danny,
(48:05):
Green attempting to make a defensive, Play.
Speaker 3 (48:10):
Green On.
Speaker 7 (48:11):
Lowry lowry gets, passed falls, down lost the, Ball topson
hunting the, floor not a fowl and Tops ha grabs
has left me.
Speaker 3 (48:25):
Now writhing in.
Speaker 7 (48:26):
Pain Steph curry slamming the ball on the, court so,
Upset green went up to block, it some of the
players saying, Something Danny green, Saying i'm just trying to
block the.
Speaker 3 (48:37):
Play, oh that wasn't a dirty play By Danny.
Speaker 1 (48:40):
Green similar to When durant went. Down it seemed everyone
in the arena knew this was a serious. Injury thompson
rolled around in, pain grabbing at his. Leg for his,
Part Danny green believed he made a good defensive, play Like.
Speaker 22 (48:56):
I'm arguing to block like anybody. Else that's a, Block
like he missed a. Dunk i'm up top and go
to the. Room we both. Clear he comes down off
with that land on. Him you know that wasn't my. Fault,
OBVIOUSLY i don't want the guy to get.
Speaker 1 (49:07):
Hurt for The, warriors after five straight years of reaching
THE Nba, finals this was the last sign of it
all coming. Apart thompson would come back and hit two
free throws to finish with thirty. Points.
Speaker 7 (49:20):
Play topson was headed back to the locker, room but
then turned around and look back on the floor and
it's What jeff you said on a personal foul As
Danny green show some sportsmanship there and tops and agrees
there was nothing. Intentional but if you're hurt out of
play and it's not a playroom foul and you can't
shoot the free, throws you cannot return to the. Game
(49:43):
AND i think they got the message to play topson
as it was walking.
Speaker 3 (49:46):
Back to the locker. Room, hey if you want to
come back in this, game you need to shoot these free.
Speaker 1 (49:50):
Throws he'd lead the game with The warriors leading by.
Five curry and The warriors tried to fight off The
raptors and force a game, seven but with the game
tight at one oh, one The raptors ran off five
straight points and The warriors couldn't. Recover Kevon looney would
be added to the list of casualties with a fractured collar,
(50:11):
bone And Golden state would lose one fourteen to one
ten Oh he was just in bound and that's.
Speaker 3 (50:17):
It there's a NEW nba champion and it's a team From, Toronto.
Speaker 7 (50:21):
Canada we The north or now we the, champions The,
rappers the twenty NINETEEN Nba.
Speaker 1 (50:29):
Champs the devastation afterward would feel not just like an,
Ending it's somehow felt worse, Here, slater it was.
Speaker 18 (50:39):
Like beyond, over because over would have been Like katie
And clay played and they just lost to The, raptors or,
hey even if they beat The, raptors and it was
that's what they always. Wanted so they're gonna win The thursday.
Title we're gonna Shake Kevin durant's hand and go thank
you for the three p enjoy whatever else is coming,
later and like you, know they're gonna stay. Around and
they felt like there was gonna still be in The.
Hunt well maybe it like beyond like the funeral of
(51:00):
an era with the fact that you now Know kevin
duranteers because he's he's out for next season wherever he,
goes and then The Klay thompson acl he's gonna be.
There they knew that, night like we don't Have Clay
thompson next, season so we now know don't even just
Have Kevin, durant probably because he's. Leaving even if we
decided to, return we would appen because it's Out Clay
thompson's gonna miss all of the next. Season it was
(51:21):
like in all of like obviously the spinning emotions of
the Whole dynasty five year runs that they had just,
had it was like.
Speaker 17 (51:28):
An exhale of like it's it's all.
Speaker 18 (51:31):
Over and even if somehow we wanted to pull it,
together two of our three four best players are like
just had catastrophic mid career, injuries so, like let's just
let's take two steps back through.
Speaker 1 (51:42):
Over The warriors would take a few steps. Back One
warrior in particular would take several steps. Away If Golden
state was going to turn a five year run into
a true, dynasty it would have to recover from one
of the most tragic scenes in sports, history and with
(52:04):
nowhere near the same embarrassment of riches as they were
used to on the next and final episode of Dub.
Speaker 17 (52:10):
Dynasty that, championship that was just. Karma that Was Steph.
Karma where that guy has brought to the, game to THE,
nba to the. WORLD i think the basketball guys, decided
you know, What we're going to give him his moment
in our.
Speaker 16 (52:25):
Generation he is certainly the greatest point, guard greatest, shooter
BUT i think there's no doubt he's a top ten.
Speaker 10 (52:32):
Player i've literally watched him make one hundred random just
all of, it not even looking at the, basket just
and it was to the point Where i'm, like, man
this dude might not even really be from, him Because
i've never seen these like or maybe it's like a
magic touch in his fingertips or something.
Speaker 11 (52:54):
Like, that but it. WAS i watched it over and
over and over.
Speaker 14 (52:57):
AGAIN i believe he might have the biggest impact in
the game the, ball second to the literally Lazy, smith
just because who was trying to even shoot shots that
he was shooting like he had kids coming down in
fourth grade trying to shoot four.
Speaker 1 (53:18):
Pointers Dub dynasty is a production Of iHeartMedia and THE.
Nba for more podcasts From, iHeartRadio visit The iHeartRadio, App Apple,
podcasts or wherever you get your. Podcasts
Dubb Dynasty as a production of iHeartMedia and the NBA.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
I'm not a risk production shot first passion, lead action.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Kip Hurt. Here's Johnson Jocks get.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Stummy here.
Speaker 5 (00:27):
Um umber three straight championship.
Speaker 6 (00:35):
Here from Chicago, seventeen seconds from Gage seven or from
Championship number six.
Speaker 7 (00:46):
Jordan help them Chicago with the lane, Michael Jordan running.
Speaker 6 (00:53):
On fumes with forty five points, stopping hut the sign
by the screen.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
What kind a piece of it?
Speaker 7 (01:04):
Let's just have won their six NBA chip and it's
their second reaping.
Speaker 3 (01:15):
What's away?
Speaker 8 (01:18):
A bird going wild? Here's fish from downtime. I'm not
to go sex point like her lash of us?
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Right her pray right tap crip.
Speaker 1 (01:35):
Those are some final moments from the last three three
peats they've been in the NBA. That last one was
from the two thousand and two Lakers title, which happened
to feature former run TMC Warrior Mitch Richmond experiencing his
first NBA championship in the final season of his Hall
of Fame career. I'm Israel Gutierres and this is dub Dynasty.
Speaker 4 (02:03):
We left you.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
The Warriors had won their second consecutive title with relative
ease over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the finals, and Kevin
Durant had won his second consecutive Finals MVP.
Speaker 9 (02:13):
Award and this year the back to back NBA Finals MVP.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
Kevin Durant.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Measuring strictly in gold trophies, It's as good of an
experience as Durant could have wanted when he joined the Warriors.
Whether or not the experience has matched his expectations, only
Durant could say, But the quest for greatness continued. Durant
and the Warriors were attempting to do something no one
had since the Shaq Kobe Lakers in two thousand and two.
(02:45):
Lebron certainly hadn't done it, failing at his only three
p chants in twenty fourteen against the Spurs. Tim Duncan
and the Spurs couldn't even win two in a row
while collecting five championships, but Durant was on the verge
of lifting the Warriors into that type of company. Golden
(03:06):
State still had to fill out its roster after losses
like Jajah Peculia and JaVale McGee. They'd replaced them with
the likes of Jonas Jerebko and former All Star big
man DeMarcus Cousins. The Warriors had already won two championships
for the now retired David West, but Cousins was a
(03:27):
more decorated player with the kind of size Golden State
could utilize. Even though Cousins was coming off in Achilles'
tear from his only full season with the New Orleans Pelicans,
he was still considered an unnecessary influx of talent to
a two time defending champion. It would take until January
before Cousins saw the floor, but it was still well
(03:48):
worth the addition, especially at just over five million dollars
for the season.
Speaker 10 (03:54):
Here's Cousins, I put my time in the league. I
did certain things that you know, I feel I deserved
and earned.
Speaker 11 (04:01):
In this league.
Speaker 10 (04:01):
So if I wasn't going to get what I felt
I deserved, you know, I was gonna make my own decision.
Speaker 11 (04:06):
And that's how the Warriors came about.
Speaker 10 (04:09):
And I felt like at the time, you know, obviously
I got injured, so I felt the league was trying
to use that against me. So I kind of, you know,
sent the you know, f you back to the league
and you know, called the Warriors. Obviously they were interested in.
You know, that's kind of how things transpired.
Speaker 12 (04:31):
From the outside.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Looking at the Warriors were possibly as loaded as they'd
ever been, and the pressure of winning a third straight
wasn't being received the way one would expect. Cousins is
a good player to view this twenty eighteen nineteen season thrill.
He derived desperate to win at the highest level, having
participated in zero playoff games to this point in his career,
(04:54):
but what he arrived to was a team with unusual
winning ways.
Speaker 11 (05:00):
Honestly, it was it was super laid back, and it
was my first time like being around a team like that.
But sometimes it felt like it was too laid back.
Like obviously I came into.
Speaker 10 (05:11):
A team that you had won championships and you know,
it was a pretty much well machine. But it was
some days like it was so late, Like it was
some days we would start the day off, we were
like walking into practice, we start to practice off watching
it calls and I'm just like, you know, I'm coming here,
obviously I have I don't have a championship, and I'm like,
(05:33):
what is this, Like, are we gonna get serious today?
Speaker 11 (05:35):
Are we gonna lock in the day? And it was
just like this care free, super laid back environment and
it worked.
Speaker 10 (05:42):
You know, it really worked. You know, guys were pretty
free for the most part. It was it was a
stress free environment. It was a really really player friendly,
like laid back type situation. And you know, those those
main core guys that were, you know, that foundation of
that team, they flourished.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
And for those core Warriors, the relaxed practice sessions were
necessary after years of deep playoff runs. One of the
primary concerns for Kerr and his coaching staff was to
monitor the minutes of his stars this season, making sure
(06:20):
they're not carrying too much of a load and potentially
injuring themselves. Careth Burke was on the sidelines almost every
game and spoke to Warriors players and coaches daily. She
noticed some of the challenges that came with pursuing a
three feet throughout the season, I think you could start.
Speaker 13 (06:37):
To see it in their legs and their minutes, and
I knew the training staff was feeling pretty stressed out
about making sure everybody was in tip top shape to play.
But there was this feeling of it will work both ways.
It's like, we can't do this forever, so let's seize
the moment. I mean instantly. I don't think the team
(06:58):
started this narrative, but I know media and fans are
starting to think of it. Well, gosh, if they went
back to back and this crew was coming back next year,
could they repeat? And that's just so much pressure on
a team. You don't even get to enjoy the moment,
the championship you just won, without thinking about the next
one you're projected to win. So I do remember that
hanging over the team a little bit, And ultimately it's
(07:20):
a compliment for who they were in that moment of time,
one of the best to do it ever. But that's
a lot to carry with you all the time, like
the next one and the next one and the next one.
And there was a degree of fan expectation that I
think got to be a little bit too big.
Speaker 1 (07:39):
So if any Warriors players were to put together historic nights,
it would have to come in an efficient manner. Enter
Klay Thompson, the author of the thirty seven point quarter
and the sixty points in twenty nine minutes, had one
more stroke of scoring genius he wanted to show off.
(07:59):
Thompson was just coming off his most efficient season fIF date,
shooting four twenty nine percent from the field and forty
four from three in the seventeen eighteen season, so you
could imagine he was feeling great about a third year
playing next to Duran. That was most evident in the
eighth game of the season on October twenty nine in Chicago.
You could tell it was going to be a Clay Knight.
(08:21):
In the first quarter, Lay Thompson again maybe six of seven.
The cameras cut to steep Kerr after that six', three
and he had a wide smile in his face that
seemed to, say.
Speaker 11 (08:35):
Here we go.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
Again thompson had twenty two points after the first quarter
and was on pace to Surpass kobe's legendary eighty one
if he kept up this insane pace With. Clay you
never know if the flurry will be contained to one.
Quarter but this one had more. Legs even as The
(08:56):
warriors were destroying The, bulls the game had. INTRIGUE i
don't Think clay up come out for the gainst forty
AND i think.
Speaker 14 (09:02):
He Has Y.
Speaker 15 (09:04):
Thompson he's got forty, one, okay but he also has eleven.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
Threes.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
Jim THE nba record for three pointers made in a
game was thirteen at the time held by just one.
Person it Was Steph, curry of, course who'd accomplished the
feat against The pelicans during the twenty sixteen to seventeen.
Season Zach lavigne And Damian lillard have also hit thirteen
in a game since. Then thompson wanted the single game
(09:31):
record for. Himself the problem was The warriors were up
one hundred and two to fifty eight When clay hit
his eleventh three. Point kerk could have sat his starters
the remainder of the game and they'd probably still win
that game by double. Figures So thompson had to work.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Quickly players got another, One he got through the. Back,
well he's. Won away from the record.
Speaker 7 (09:57):
Defense draymont And damien catch you joo, Free they're.
Speaker 3 (10:01):
Not He's Tom, Steph and with four.
Speaker 1 (10:04):
Point fifty three left in the third, Quarter thompson made
shooting history. Again FOR nba, history.
Speaker 3 (10:14):
Two threes an game has never been until.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Time thompson finished fourteen of twenty four from three for
forty two of his fifty two. Points he did it
in twenty six minutes and thirty three seconds of playing.
Speaker 16 (10:28):
Time it's the best, feeling especially to see how happy
your teammates all for. You it's all love between, us
and these guys have my back at all. TIMES i
know What i'm capable, of especially you, know in the
first six seven, games it wasn't really hitting from three
point live and they come out like. This IT'S i
give all the credit THAT i am because they were
trying to find me as much as they.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Could for one. Game, anyway he was the splashiest of the,
brothers and it could have set the tone for a
celebratory season of more impressive. Accomplishments, instead it was just
a pleasant distraction to what would be an emotionally taxing.
Season that's because there was another element to this season
(11:09):
that created an internal, distress perhaps even greater than the
THREE p. Chase durant would become a free agent again
after this, season and while technically he could have been
a free agent after each of the first two seasons
With Golden, state this would feel like the first Time
durant might actually pursue outside. Possibilities he signed another one
(11:31):
year deal with a player option for a second. Year
that meant questions about his future past the eighteen nineteen
season would come. Constantly it would be a steady source
of frustration For durant and the rest of The. Warriors
As burke.
Speaker 13 (11:45):
Explains it Was kevin's free agency and the uncertainty of
what he wanted for his, future and he didn't want
to talk about it a. Lot BUT i think that's
because he truly didn't. KNOW i don't think he had
had anything decided until maybe of that. YEAR i really
think he went into that year, SAYING i don't, Know
(12:07):
i've just got to feel it, out OR i want
the time to. DECIDE i think a lot of those
guys wanted the championship feelings to subside a little bit
and enjoy a summer and have a break from basketball
and then have some kind of. Clarity so because his
own teammates and Even steve did not know WHAT kd was,
thinking how did they make plans for the future or
(12:27):
how do they know how to deal with this? Guy
so there was just, tension that's the best way to put.
Speaker 9 (12:32):
It.
Speaker 13 (12:32):
Tension AND i KNOW kd didn't like being the source
of that, tension but he was and you have. To
so everywhere he went on the road was that feeling
of is this the last time you're playing here in
A warrior? Uniform all the media members had to ask
him the same questions because that was the only time
they would get to do, It so stuff just got
(12:54):
repetitive for. Him as far as, CRACKS i, mean maybe
the one that was the most visible was in That clippers.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Game That clippers. Game it's somewhat mind boggling that after
two years of the ultimate success, together the demise of
this corps can come down to That clippers game On november,
twelfth twenty, eighteen not even the entire, game, actually just
the end of regulation and the ensuing break before. Overtime
(13:24):
that was when a divide Between durant And Draymond green
appeared to expose itself for all the cameras to, catch
and it seemed to already be too large a gap to.
Bridge winning is labeled a cure, all but even some
of the most successful teams IN nba history have infamous
feuds within. Them among the most notable were those three
(13:46):
FEET La, lakers who seemed to succeed despite the constant
bickering Between Kobe bryant And shiquil. O'Neal These warriors would
throw their name on the list of winners with internal
squad and it started With Golden state's second to last
possession of regulation in a tie. Game that was When
durant had an opportunity to put The warriors. Ahead he
(14:10):
grabbed a, rebound checked the time on the, clock and
dribbled into a full up three that missed with thirty seconds.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
Left williams trying to untie. It he has had a
miserable shooting night that he's in and out on that
one as.
Speaker 15 (14:27):
Well, williams he's three and Fifteen durand for three found
he cannot foul and he took the quick one because
the worst he gets the final possession is.
Speaker 1 (14:37):
Accurate Lou williams of The clippers would barely hit the
rim on his next shot at, him Leaving Draymond green
with the rebound and five seconds left in. Regulation As
green gathered the, ball he was running up the right
side of The Staples center, floor To green's left and
(14:58):
slightly trailing. Him durant aggressively clapped for the ball three.
Times rather than pass back To, durant who just missed
on a chance to take the, Lead green pushed the
ball up the, floor only to turn it over as time.
Speaker 15 (15:12):
Expired here's the Crafty williams, again down to Three agadala
stayed down, outside almost.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
Like an airball had ticked. Iron they don't use a
time out at.
Speaker 8 (15:21):
Three, raymond at, two they gotta get a shot, off
and they.
Speaker 15 (15:25):
Don't it will go to, overtime which is still a
win for The, warriors but you would have.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
Loved to have had a shot to win the.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
Game as they walked back to the, bench there wasn't
much of a sign of, frustration but the tension became
much more. Obvious as the break. Continued durant And green
could be seen having a heat of. Discussion on one
end of the team, Gathering Andrea gudala was attempting to
Calm durant, down while on the other, End draymond was
(15:55):
returning to the floor With cousins And Sean livingston trying
to settle. Him The warriors would go on to lose
the game in. Overtime cousins hadn't been around for the
previous two, seasons but he could see the kind of
effect that time together had on these two cornerstones of the. Organization, uh.
Speaker 11 (16:15):
It was just some things said that shouldn't have been,
said and up and lines were.
Speaker 10 (16:21):
Crossed so you, KNOW i can understand somebody feeling it
a certain type of way once the line was, crossed
especially as grown.
Speaker 11 (16:28):
Men so you, know once that situation.
Speaker 10 (16:31):
Kind of, happened you know the way The warriors moved
they you, know they, quickly you, know made sure they resolved.
It and for the most, part that's what. Happened but,
uh you, know their private conversations were kind of never.
Shared it was kind of between those. Two but you,
KNOW i was sitting By draymond right after the dancing that,
happened and we even sat by each other on the,
(16:51):
plane and, uh you, KNOW i was one of those
guys as, well Like, draymond you need to fix this.
Situation you, know you need to speak up. First it
should start with an. Apology and you, Know draymond and
him eventually got it figured. Out you, know they moved
on from. It you know how great of a relationship
they have is They i'm not really sure, that you,
KNOW i got a lot of respect from both of the, guys.
Speaker 11 (17:13):
But they were resolved in the best, way and you,
know we tried to move.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Forward this wasn't an ordinary disagreement among. Teammates first of,
all it Was, november the stress of the season hadn't
even hit, yet and here Where durant And green having
to be, separated and based on just how obviously Desperate
iguadala And cousins were to help squash, it you could
(17:39):
tell this argument had a lot more weight to it
if the reactions of teammates wasn't enough to label this
dispute a fracture within the. Team the reaction from The
warriors front office certainly Was green was suspended for one
game for his. Actions durant was not. Disciplined that seemed
to allow blame to be placed In draymond's, direction and
(18:02):
With durant And pa ding free, agency it was also
seen by some as pandering To kde and hopes he'd
resigned With Golden. State once, again Here's.
Speaker 13 (18:12):
Burke they lost a big game and cameras caught, it
and they were having that argument about who was doing.
What but that was that was just like flow of
the game basketball.
Speaker 7 (18:23):
STUFF i.
Speaker 13 (18:24):
THOUGHT i remember sitting and waiting at an away. Game right,
afterward they came out onto the floor for shoot around.
TALKING i, mean they weren't frosting each. Other it was
not that cold as it looked from the. Outside BUT
i do understand why that is like a narrative point
of the fracturing between this team And draymond will tell,
(18:45):
you AND i actually kind of agree with him that
The warriors didn't handle that the right. WAY i don't
think he should have been. SUSPENDED i think that was
just an argument between, teammates a misunderstanding. There but it
happened to blow up and The warriors were TREATING kd
a little. Differently, okay here we need to talk about this.
Too that last, season because The warriors didn't know if
(19:06):
he was staying or, going everyone was on eggshells Around.
Katie he was aware of.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
It he didn't like.
Speaker 13 (19:13):
IT i mean he even told Media he's like in
the locker, room, like, guys are you afraid to talk to?
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Me what's going?
Speaker 13 (19:18):
On like people just weren't approaching him. Anymore that we
were kind of giving him distance and wondering are the
little storm clouds over his head? Today is he had
a joky mood? Today sometimes he can be a hard
guy to. Read so there's just all sorts of things swirling,
around AND i think The warriors felt like they had
to put kat on a little bit of a pedestal
to see if he was going to stay to see
(19:38):
if they could make him. Stay AND i think they
handled that situation With draymond.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Wrong looking, Back Steve kerr believes the organization Handled green.
Speaker 17 (19:47):
Properly, no there's no no regrets for suspending. Him you,
know what he did was blatantly wrong and they deserved
to be.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Suspended if The warriors play fall heowing the suspension was
any indication this dispute Between green And durant did affect
the group as a. Whole this was easily the worst
stretch for The Kadie, warriors losing eight of thirteen. Games
making matters worse For durant Was curry missed many of
these games with a groin, strand giving the impression that
(20:22):
The warriors don't operate as well When durant is the
focal point of the. Offense as opposed To, Curry durant
is something of a victim of his own, greatness given
the ease with which he can. Score sometimes running offense
isn't as necessary as it is When curry is in the.
Lineup that can create a stagnant offense that relies on
(20:44):
isolation a bit too, much even for someone as good
an isolation As. Durant but it wasn't just the players
who seemed a tad board with the regular. Season the
media was often looking past the season and wondering About
durant's pending free. Agency Here's, burke.
Speaker 13 (21:01):
All the other guys retired of being asked about kad
When katie didn't want to speak for himself because he
was tired about. It so that storyline just dominated the.
YEAR i also remember feeling like they knew how good
they were and that their chances that they were favored
to win another. Championship So january was an absolute. Slog
(21:22):
anytime they faced one of the bottom dwellers in the,
league it was, Like, oh is this going to be
a trap? Game or can they muster the energy to
give a frankly about this team when they know that
the real prize is in the. Postseason in some games
they could. Not some games they just could, not and
they had a hard time hiding.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
That Come, january at least The warriors had another pleasant
distraction that would at the very least focus the attention
on a positive. Storyline DeMarcus cousins would make his return
from an achilles injury On january. Eighteenth he was a
bruising center that also had a three point shooting, range
seemingly a perfect fit to complement this. Group cousins could
(22:04):
also provide some relief That, Curry, Durant, green And thompson
all desperately. Needed despite not playing for his first few
months In Golden, State cousins was fitting right, in especially
because of a growing friendship With. Dreaming we clicked day.
Speaker 10 (22:20):
One, obviously me And draymond spent time together With TEAM,
usa so we really got cool.
Speaker 11 (22:25):
Then we you, know we picked on each other a.
Speaker 10 (22:27):
Lot we were always joking on one, another so our
relationship started to form. Then and, uh you, know ONCE
i got traded there and brought In, draymond crazy. Thing
we literally it was like a two minute walk from
my house to, his so we ended up being basically.
Speaker 11 (22:42):
Neighbors and he ended up coming over my house the
first DAY.
Speaker 10 (22:46):
I moved, in and you, know we just kind of
kicked it and, talked and you, know he kind of
gave me the layer of the, land and you, know
from day one he kind of you, know put his
arm around me and made that transition for me a
little bit more. Easy by the, time you, KNOW i
got back on my, feet the league had, evolved AND
i was just basically two years so the defenses were
a lot. Different the game had kind of sped up
(23:08):
a lot more than the last TIME i officially, played
SO i had to get used to the pace as.
Well but, offensively for the most, part most of the
group was so talented and so great like for the most,
part if you made a mistake on, offense it was
being covered up either By Kevin, Durant Steph, curry Or Glay,
thoms so most mistakes turned into an assist or you,
(23:30):
know a play to.
Speaker 1 (23:31):
Celebrate despite time off from The, Achilles cousins played thirty
regular season games for The warriors and averaged sixteen, points
eight rebounds in one and a half. BLOCKS i just actually.
Speaker 9 (23:44):
Got by For.
Speaker 15 (23:45):
Reid how About DeMarcus cousins Beating farried And tucker e
mc with the reverse right.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
Around The warriors finished the regular season with fifty seven,
wins one less than in the previous, season but still
a top The Western.
Speaker 12 (23:59):
Conference if the fractures.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
From The november dust up would show, themselves it would
be in the. Playoffs and who would The warriors face
in the first round of a three peat? Attempt it
would be The, clippers meaning The warriors would play at
least two playoff games on the court Where draymond And katie.
Feuded making things more, difficult The warriors would lose their starting.
(24:32):
Center just two games into the, playoffs after The warriors
Took game, One cousins tore a left quadriceps muscle while
pursuing a loose. Ball the diagnosis would Keep cousins out
for an extended, period possibly for the entirety of the.
Playoffs and you.
Speaker 9 (24:49):
Hope That cousins is not hurt because he's staying down
on the floor on the defensive being grabbing his left.
Speaker 8 (24:56):
Hip Carrier tody had to steal that landed hard and
it's a three part poor.
Speaker 17 (25:01):
Shobbit Heck DeMarcus cousins toward the.
Speaker 11 (25:06):
Bench he has to come, Out.
Speaker 9 (25:08):
MARVIN i don't know if the team saw, it and they,
did and they're calling that for, him and he looks
very frustrated running to the.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
Side and In game, two another regular season issue popped.
Speaker 9 (25:18):
Up in the.
Speaker 1 (25:18):
Postseason Golden state lost one thirty five to one thirty
one as The clippers tied the. Series durant finished with
twenty one points on just eight shot attempts, well.
Speaker 8 (25:30):
Do The La clippers hot The warriors court here At.
Speaker 1 (25:38):
Oracle the following, day after A warrior's, Practice Anthony slater
Asked durant about his lack of shot attempts in a
home playoff.
Speaker 18 (25:46):
Game they were playing A clippers team that, is like
they don't Have Paul, Georgia Kwhi leonard yet it's Like
Pat Bevery Lou, Williams Montrez, harrow like completely overwhelmed talent.
Wise The warriors wax him in the first, Game game
two at. Home you kind of just expected them to
sweep that. SERIES kd at the time is and they
(26:07):
would tell you even late in the regular, season as
he was in some ways just grumbling about the whole
situation in. General he was kind of playing very, passively
like he'd still he'd score seventeen on like five or
six shooting and like mostly stand in the corner like hey,
whatever you, Know and they were winning, games but it
was like they were trying to, like, hey we don't
need like needs you to just take six, Shots, like,
yes you scored seventeen off five or, six but how
(26:29):
about like thirty four on you, know twelve to seventeen
it's playoff, time let's. Go and then they had won
the first, game and then the second game they blew
like a thirty point, lead partly because you, Know beverly
was really In kd's jersey and the kind of the
postgame storyline and that was like and you, know of
Course Pat beverly leaned into. It it was just, like,
oh the pest had like BOTHERED. Kd and THEN i
(26:52):
remember asking him at in that you know Old oakland
practice facility about that about, like you, know the Way
Patrick bevry was.
Speaker 1 (27:01):
Playing durant's answer was, detailed, informative and very much let
you into the complicated dynamic between one of the most
gifted scorers of all time and his coach's fluid, movement
heavy offense designed to get the shooters great. Looks he
ended the explanation with the reminder of who he, is
(27:24):
just in case anyone. Forgot, well we had a nice.
Speaker 19 (27:28):
Flow of the. Game you, know let's go back to
the whole last month of the. Season we've been playing
this way for a, while and when we got to this,
series you, know game, one we had some nice. Momentum
they're playing a gimmick defense which has been working top
lock and everything on the, perimeters so guys not even
looking at a three point. Line they're just forcing guys
inside the three point. Line so for, us WHEN i
get the ball on my, spots you, KNOW i got
(27:48):
a Pest Patrick, beverley who was up underneath. Me, WELL
i could definitely shoot over the top of the score
every time if there's a one on one, Situation but
we got a guy that's dropping and, helping and then
we got another guy that's just sitting.
Speaker 11 (27:58):
On me waiting for me to driggle to. Basketball i'll
put the.
Speaker 3 (28:01):
Basketball on the, FLOOR i.
Speaker 19 (28:03):
Can you, KNOW i could probably make forty three percent
of my shots IF i shoot him like.
Speaker 11 (28:06):
That but that's not really gonna do nothing.
Speaker 19 (28:08):
For us at h with the outcome of the, game you,
know because we got a nice. Flow everybody touching the,
rock everybody's shooting the. Scoring So i'm not gonna Let
i'm not gonna get in the away of the game
because you, KNOW i want to have a little back
and forth With Patrick.
Speaker 11 (28:21):
Bedbley I'm Kevin.
Speaker 9 (28:22):
Durant you know WHO i.
Speaker 11 (28:25):
AM i know WHO i.
Speaker 1 (28:27):
Am the clip gained plenty of traction as it Showed
durant at his most self assured despite the playoff, loss
he'd go on to show, everyone especially The, clippers what
it meant that he Was Kevin durant. Right he ended
The clipper season over the next four games with totals
(28:50):
of thirty, eight thirty, three forty, five and fifty. Points
in the Closeout game, six.
Speaker 3 (28:56):
Good opportunity For durant to go two for, one try
to get a quick shot. Up durant does three pointer.
Speaker 7 (29:02):
Bang kevin durantce got thirty six in the Lead balloons to.
Speaker 1 (29:07):
Nineteen cousins was out with his quaet injury While durant
was closing out the, series but he wasn't surprised one.
Bit But durant's response After game, Two, WELL.
Speaker 10 (29:19):
Kd, man he's just about his business and that's SOMETHING
i always admired. About he says a, standard he sticks
to his standard every single.
Speaker 11 (29:27):
Day he's a very schedule oriented type of.
Speaker 10 (29:32):
GUY i THINK kd was at a point where he
was so so damn, good LIKE i think he used
some of, that AND i may be. Wrong this is
just my perspective of, it BUT i THINK i thought
he was using a lot of the outside noise to
kind of fuel, him and it was maybe perceive the
wrong way from the.
Speaker 11 (29:50):
Outside and he also didn't really let us. In you,
know that's his. Decision but for, ME i felt like
he used a lot of stuff to just kind of
motivate him because.
Speaker 10 (30:01):
He just he's at a level of great to where
like after he got his first, ONE i think he
was just looking for more. MOTIVATION i don't think that
first one fulfilled you, know that hunger or whatever that
missing place was, for so you, know the next ones after,
THAT i think he was just searching for motivation to you,
(30:22):
know really really want to go and get it.
Speaker 11 (30:24):
Again so AND i could be completely, wrong and that's
just my.
Speaker 1 (30:27):
Perception Whether durant's motivations came from the outside noise or
his internal, drive it wouldn't matter much come the next.
Round waiting for The warriors where they're postseason nemesis The Houston,
Riots and after four, games the series was, tied with
both teams winning their two home.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
Games, well it's a four point lead for the, lockage
two point nine Long, green here's Door.
Speaker 3 (30:55):
Green that's.
Speaker 5 (30:57):
It this series has just gotten incredibly.
Speaker 1 (31:02):
Changed then Came game, five in the midst of another
close battle against a bitter, Rival durant suffered an injury
that could have derailed the rest of the.
Speaker 5 (31:14):
PLAYOFFS a nervous trialve with their feet back and cry
Against tuterran.
Speaker 11 (31:21):
Top back to the isruation of one on one.
Speaker 5 (31:24):
Ball It's durant was shut up Cotn Kevin durant laces.
Speaker 8 (31:28):
One throw and he.
Speaker 5 (31:30):
Hurt he is holding on to his white achilles as
hard works into a Dude allen who just picked up
The Golden state.
Speaker 1 (31:37):
Five what was most troubling About durant's injury was that
he looked back after experiencing, pain as if checking to
see what. Hit it's a classic response when someone tears
their achilles. Ten people often report feeling like they were
kicked in the back of the leg when experiencing a.
Tear Anthony slater was there and made sure to Ask
(31:59):
durant what most of the viewing audience was.
Speaker 18 (32:01):
Thinking and THEN i remember seeing him in the post
game locker room going over and, like you, know because
there are people that you, know the, internet doctors want to, Know,
hey wasn't an. Achilles wasn't not but he. Was he
was showing me, like, no it's lower calf it was
a calf. Strain it was a bad calf. String he
misses the end of That houston series WITHOUT. Kd they
Start Andrew, bogan who was suddenly back on the team years,
(32:22):
later like last season of his, Career Andrew, boget they
started him In kd's place and went like real old
School warriors Where livingston had a big game he could
all these guys really late in their careers In game
six In houston and beat The. Rockets and it is
if you talk to like all The Dynasty warriors peoples,
now it's one of their like three favorite wins that
they've ever. Had it was just this like fight back
(32:44):
against the idea that now That kevin was, out they
weren't gonna do.
Speaker 3 (32:47):
It curry thirty three points in the second, Half that'll do.
Speaker 7 (32:54):
It The old The State warriors advanced to their fifth
Consecutive Western Calference finals.
Speaker 3 (32:59):
For the second straight.
Speaker 7 (33:00):
Year they eliminate The rockets here In, houston as they
take the series in six, games and they Win game
six Without Kevin.
Speaker 1 (33:07):
Durant it was a feel good, moment but only for
those actually. Involved For, durant who was sitting out and
watching the Old warriors dynamic. Thrive it somehow became a
source of. Frustration as The warriors were sweeping The trailblazers
in The conference finals without, Him durant was hearing how
(33:28):
The warriors don't truly need him and that there are
two different versions of The warriors With katie and without Here, SLATER.
Speaker 18 (33:37):
I Remember kevin did a press conference at the, TIME
i think in the middle of The blazer series where
he was really, upset why does it always have to
be The warriors AND? Kd The warriors and Kt because
suddenly The warriors were playing really well WITHOUT, kd and
the conversation had you got to do they even need?
Him i'm, like you, Know and he was upset within,
that and then they go and Play. Toronto he's still
trying to come off the capstra and we're Asking steve every,
(33:59):
day you, know is he nearing a?
Speaker 20 (34:02):
Return is he nearing a?
Speaker 18 (34:03):
Return it was very pressurized for him to.
Speaker 1 (34:05):
Come back for their. Part Steve kerr and The warriors
weren't giving any Indications durant would return for THE Nba.
Speaker 21 (34:11):
FINALS i think everyone needs to slow down a little
bit on The kevin. Stuff he hasn't even stepped on
the floor, Yet so you, know we've we've tried to
remain somewhat vague because the injury is really sort of
(34:32):
open ended in terms of how long he's going to
need to. Recover BUT i think in doing, so maybe
people have gotten the idea that he's going to come,
back and Maybe Willis reid or something.
Speaker 11 (34:45):
He's he's he hasn't even stepped on the floor.
Speaker 21 (34:47):
Yet he still has, pain so he's there's some time
ahead of him on the rehab.
Speaker 11 (34:54):
Process so we'll have a more detailed up update On.
Speaker 1 (34:57):
Thursday while the world was waiting For durant, news The
Toronto raptors would be waiting for The warriors in the. Finals,
finally after four straight years of Facing lebron and The
cavaliers in the, finals The Golden state would face a
familiar opponent in a New Land Kawhi leonard had been
(35:26):
traded to The raptors before the eighteen nineteen, season and
With james now out of The Eastern conference and In Los,
Angeles leonard was able to carry The raptors to the
finals with wins over The magic seventy Six. Ers remember
that four bound series winner From leonard and The Milwaukee bucks.
Speaker 5 (35:43):
Gets off The leonard defended By simmons is The.
Speaker 22 (35:57):
Zones.
Speaker 1 (35:59):
Two toronto built a largely trin group Around, leonard which
included Former Spur Danny, green who'd already had multiple playoff
battles with The. Warriors he Knew durant's absence would be,
big but not large enough to Overlook Golden. State the
Way green described, it there actually were two versions of
(36:21):
The warriors with and Without.
Speaker 22 (36:23):
Durant we could not take them. Lightly to, Me katie was,
great and he's a good piece for. THEM i, thought
and this is, CRAZY i think as a young kid back,
then was, LIKE i think the ball they move a little,
less and the ball moves a little less When katie
is on the, Floor SO i thought it might be
even though he's hard to guard, INDIVIDUALLY i thought as a,
group it would be easier for us to guard them without.
(36:46):
Him they have so much more ball, movements so much more,
movement AND i was, like that's going to be more
of a bitch to guard than With katie's on the.
Floor even though they were still very, good they still
moved very well with, Him.
Speaker 1 (36:58):
SO i was, like, yeah we can't let up The
warriors were also getting back another useful, Piece Marcus. Cousins
he and The warriors' medical staff worked some minor miracles
to get him back on the floor after the Quadter
cousins wasn't his usual, self but he wanted to contribute
in any way possible for.
Speaker 10 (37:17):
ME i was hungry to, play meaning for. BASKETBALL i
wanted to be on the ultimate. STAGE i wanted to
play for a. Championship so that's something THAT i was
always hungry for SINCE i stepped foot in the. League
and you, know LIKE i, said my first two, STOPS
i wasn't able to be a part of that or
had those opportunities to compete at that. Level so WHEN
(37:40):
i finally got that, OPPORTUNITY i wanted. It you, KNOW
i wanted to leave it all on the floor AND
i could live whatever results were the, results you, know
BECAUSE i KNOW i was leaving EVERYTHING i had on the.
Speaker 1 (37:51):
Floor through four, games, though it was evident the Shorthanded
warriors needed. Assistance Even Klay thompson Missed game three with
a hamstring, injury and despite being at home and getting
forty seven From, steph The warriors Dropped game three and
went on to Lose game four as.
Speaker 7 (38:09):
Well ye SEE i, come throws it up and in The,
raptors putting on finishing touches on the biggest win in franchise.
Speaker 3 (38:17):
HISTORY a lot of the fans channing. Again they are
well aware this could be the last game at Our Golden.
Speaker 1 (38:24):
State was one loss from, elimination and all eyes shifted To.
Durant there had been rumors he could return to play
In game, five but no one was. Sure durant did.
Return perhaps under the pressure of the, Moment durant attempted
to return too soon after his cap, strip but it
didn't appear. So in that first, Quarter durant would score
(38:47):
eleven first quarter points as The warriors took a six point,
lead and, suddenly for at least a, moment The warriors were.
BACK a three p was still a. Possibility carries To.
Speaker 3 (38:59):
Durant there's his first shot and it looks pretty.
Speaker 23 (39:02):
Good, There.
Speaker 1 (39:03):
Ronalds but just a few minutes into the second, Quarter
durant was isolating Against Serge ibaka when he suddenly pulled
up and started hopping on his left leg before going
to the floor and holding his right.
Speaker 3 (39:17):
Leg he's not gonna try to stay With, durant not
to the way And durant. Slipping duranta goes down holding his.
Legs evaca goes.
Speaker 7 (39:25):
Up had a style down beyond the rand And durant
grabbing that right leg.
Speaker 3 (39:33):
It's the right calf put him.
Speaker 11 (39:36):
Out.
Speaker 3 (39:39):
And these teammates going over to check on.
Speaker 1 (39:41):
Him at that, moment we were all. Orthopedists everyone knew
it was an achilles's. Tear even the look On durant's
face had an immediate look of despair and almost, acceptance
as if he was going through immediate stages of. Grief
durant had to know this was a risk and if
(40:03):
his achilles were, tear then a long year of rehab would.
Await but this was the chance to be the ultimate,
hero return from significant, injury win three, games go down
in history as the savior in a three peet and
maybe finally taking your comfortable place in The Golden State
(40:24):
warriors family. Forever, instead this felt like more of an,
ending immediate and. Tragic Mike breen called the game and
Felt durant's.
Speaker 24 (40:40):
Anguish my feeling, was you, know he's not going to
come back unless he's ready to come, Back AND i
think that a lot of people felt the same.
Speaker 20 (40:48):
Way and everybody felt they got a chance to win this.
Thing and you, know hindsight is. Easy i'm saying you
probably shouldn't, have but it shows you where his head
was at and the kind of competitive that he was
and wanted to get another championship for that.
Speaker 24 (41:01):
Team but from WHAT i, remember everybody's talking, about they're, Thought,
okay they're going to come.
Speaker 20 (41:06):
Back he's going to lead, them and there's a really
good chance they're.
Speaker 11 (41:09):
Going to win.
Speaker 20 (41:09):
AGAIN i don't really remember a lot of people questioning.
It there's always one or.
Speaker 24 (41:13):
TWO i think they probably, said, alway shouldn't come, Back
BUT i think the majority people, felt all, right he's,
ready he's ready to come back and help them. Win
it just seemed to signal the, end at least for
that particular that group in terms of their dynasty and
with him, again because you watch him in all his,
greatness in all the, joy and you can almost feel.
Speaker 3 (41:37):
The pain that he was.
Speaker 24 (41:38):
In the emotional Pain i'm talking, about not the physical,
pain the emotional pain knowing that he can't help them
right now because he's incapable of doing. It that's always
the hardest thing with competitors like, that with great, players
when you see them go, down whether you root for
that team or, not you have such unbelievable respect for
(41:58):
how hard they play and how much it means to
them that you can become emotional when you see a
great player go down knowing that he can't he's incapable
right now helping his. Team and that's WHY i felt
that it was just hard to, watch because what a
great player he, is what a great joy he brought
to the, sport and the type of player he.
Speaker 1 (42:16):
Was with the injury happening in the first, half that
left plenty of time For internet critics to question Whether
durant should have been playing at. All all of it
was enough to make general Manager Bob myers especially emotional
as he addressed the media With durant news after the.
Speaker 4 (42:32):
Game kevin had it's an achilles. INJURY i don't know
the extent of.
Speaker 23 (42:48):
It he'll have AN mri. Tomorrow prior to coming, back
he went through four weeks with our medical team and
he was thorough and it was experts and multiple arise
and multiple, doctors and we felt good about the. Process
(43:13):
he was cleared to play. Tonight that was a collaborative.
DECISION i don't believe there's anybody to. Blame BUT i
understand this, world and if you have, to.
Speaker 11 (43:32):
You can blame.
Speaker 4 (43:32):
ME i run our basketball operations.
Speaker 1 (43:35):
Department but here's where this ending For, durant which for
all intents and, purposes it felt like was almost a
perfect encapsulation of his experience In Golden. State just Before
myers had held that tearful press, conference The ogs The
Splash brothers put together a vintage flurry with less than
(43:59):
three minutes. Left The raptors led ONE o three to ninety,
seven appearing on the verge of winning the franchisees first.
Championship that's When Clay thompson And Steph, curry Without durant to,
go come back To.
Speaker 7 (44:13):
Curry Van fleet, Claps, Thompson topson finds an opening, Freak winter's.
Speaker 9 (44:18):
Up he's.
Speaker 7 (44:19):
Good Clay thompson from downtown.
Speaker 3 (44:21):
And it's back to. Three murry has the. BALL a
minute and a half, Later curry gets a, look fires,
away ties the. Game Steph curry from.
Speaker 7 (44:35):
Downtown curry pushing it, Out Van fleet in pursuit A
cadala back out the.
Speaker 3 (44:41):
Green tompson one, fake.
Speaker 7 (44:43):
One, dribble one, shot got it call at Stake reed
takes the lead time Out toronto water turn around for The.
Warriors nine straight points by the defendant.
Speaker 3 (44:56):
Champs incredible arguing into the hands Of Kawhi, leonard that kids.
Speaker 7 (45:03):
Remaining leonard back up Ben, fleet Ben fleet kicks it
Out Lowry lowry for the Wind Won't GO MLB A
game six In. Oakland an inspiring performance from The Golden
State warriors after they blew a big.
Speaker 3 (45:18):
Lead they were up fourteen of the second. Half toronto came,
back went up by.
Speaker 7 (45:22):
Six this was the scene at the watch party In
oracle and that's where The warriors will play one more.
Speaker 1 (45:28):
Time Danny green was on the floor during That Golden
state comeback and he remembers the loss stinging even more
once he got to his phone in the locker.
Speaker 22 (45:38):
Room AND i remember reading after the game one of
my homies text, me congrats men on the championship and
because he was catching a flight and he thought For
shore we winning that game were like minute or two
left and we ended up in the.
Speaker 4 (45:49):
Bed but they made it a.
Speaker 22 (45:51):
Game and Then game six is, like, yeah we've got
to win here because we just don't never know it
happened in game.
Speaker 1 (45:55):
Seven adding to the potential finality of it all for The.
Warriors they were moving to their shiny new, arena The,
chase starting in the twenty nineteen twenty. Season that meant
The warriors would play their final game In Oracle arena
In game six win and maybe the vibes carry The
warriors to A game seven win In toronto and a
(46:16):
three pet, lose and it could be the stunning end
to a dynastic run right in front of the home fan's.
Eyes this would be A game, six, however and The
warriors still had Play. Thompson if there ever was a
time to unleash the sport's greatest luxury, item it was right.
Now and for most of this game he didn't disappoint.
Speaker 7 (46:39):
Them tops it off the tribble to The laf's.
Speaker 1 (46:43):
Good Here's green.
Speaker 22 (46:45):
Unconscious i'm like this guy and he was making everything.
Somehow the ball would always roll or bounce to. Him
on a loose ball wide.
Speaker 11 (46:52):
Open from the third, play we would.
Speaker 22 (46:53):
Scramble and hit the ball dobbin and next You oly
should just bounce his right To clay's feet while he's wide.
Open tee and hisself from three and His game six
and he's already got like five or six of. Them
why is he always open and with the ball when
everything is going to you know What i'm. Saying so
it just found. Him the energy found, him the rhythm found,
him and he was just. Unconscious he was, confident and
(47:14):
he was playing some of his best. Basketball and that's
why you know he's a hall of. Famer i'm saying
those years he was a hall of. Famer he was really.
Good he should be end up being A hall of.
Speaker 20 (47:21):
Famer it's all said and, done.
Speaker 11 (47:22):
But, yes that's what.
Speaker 17 (47:24):
Happened He game, six he was killing.
Speaker 11 (47:27):
Us game, Six clay.
Speaker 3 (47:31):
Tops in the long, preak he got again Play tompson
in the soul all, seriously five for, Two tops it For.
Speaker 1 (47:44):
Greade that would Be thompson's last bucket in this, game
fittingly a bang from Brien. Mere moments, later after A raptor's,
Turnover clay went up for a with a Trailing Danny,
(48:05):
Green attempting to make a defensive, Play.
Speaker 3 (48:10):
Green On.
Speaker 7 (48:11):
Lowry lowry gets, passed falls, down lost the, Ball topson
hunting the, floor not a fowl and Tops ha grabs
has left me.
Speaker 3 (48:25):
Now writhing in.
Speaker 7 (48:26):
Pain Steph curry slamming the ball on the, court so,
Upset green went up to block, it some of the
players saying, Something Danny green, Saying i'm just trying to
block the.
Speaker 3 (48:37):
Play, oh that wasn't a dirty play By Danny.
Speaker 1 (48:40):
Green similar to When durant went. Down it seemed everyone
in the arena knew this was a serious. Injury thompson
rolled around in, pain grabbing at his. Leg for his,
Part Danny green believed he made a good defensive, play Like.
Speaker 22 (48:56):
I'm arguing to block like anybody. Else that's a, Block
like he missed a. Dunk i'm up top and go
to the. Room we both. Clear he comes down off
with that land on. Him you know that wasn't my. Fault,
OBVIOUSLY i don't want the guy to get.
Speaker 1 (49:07):
Hurt for The, warriors after five straight years of reaching
THE Nba, finals this was the last sign of it
all coming. Apart thompson would come back and hit two
free throws to finish with thirty. Points.
Speaker 7 (49:20):
Play topson was headed back to the locker, room but
then turned around and look back on the floor and
it's What jeff you said on a personal foul As
Danny green show some sportsmanship there and tops and agrees
there was nothing. Intentional but if you're hurt out of
play and it's not a playroom foul and you can't
shoot the free, throws you cannot return to the. Game
(49:43):
AND i think they got the message to play topson
as it was walking.
Speaker 3 (49:46):
Back to the locker. Room, hey if you want to
come back in this, game you need to shoot these free.
Speaker 1 (49:50):
Throws he'd lead the game with The warriors leading by.
Five curry and The warriors tried to fight off The
raptors and force a game, seven but with the game
tight at one oh, one The raptors ran off five
straight points and The warriors couldn't. Recover Kevon looney would
be added to the list of casualties with a fractured collar,
(50:11):
bone And Golden state would lose one fourteen to one
ten Oh he was just in bound and that's.
Speaker 3 (50:17):
It there's a NEW nba champion and it's a team From, Toronto.
Speaker 7 (50:21):
Canada we The north or now we the, champions The,
rappers the twenty NINETEEN Nba.
Speaker 1 (50:29):
Champs the devastation afterward would feel not just like an,
Ending it's somehow felt worse, Here, slater it was.
Speaker 18 (50:39):
Like beyond, over because over would have been Like katie
And clay played and they just lost to The, raptors or,
hey even if they beat The, raptors and it was
that's what they always. Wanted so they're gonna win The thursday.
Title we're gonna Shake Kevin durant's hand and go thank
you for the three p enjoy whatever else is coming,
later and like you, know they're gonna stay. Around and
they felt like there was gonna still be in The.
Hunt well maybe it like beyond like the funeral of
(51:00):
an era with the fact that you now Know kevin
duranteers because he's he's out for next season wherever he,
goes and then The Klay thompson acl he's gonna be.
There they knew that, night like we don't Have Clay
thompson next, season so we now know don't even just
Have Kevin, durant probably because he's. Leaving even if we
decided to, return we would appen because it's Out Clay
thompson's gonna miss all of the next. Season it was
(51:21):
like in all of like obviously the spinning emotions of
the Whole dynasty five year runs that they had just,
had it was like.
Speaker 17 (51:28):
An exhale of like it's it's all.
Speaker 18 (51:31):
Over and even if somehow we wanted to pull it,
together two of our three four best players are like
just had catastrophic mid career, injuries so, like let's just
let's take two steps back through.
Speaker 1 (51:42):
Over The warriors would take a few steps. Back One
warrior in particular would take several steps. Away If Golden
state was going to turn a five year run into
a true, dynasty it would have to recover from one
of the most tragic scenes in sports, history and with
(52:04):
nowhere near the same embarrassment of riches as they were
used to on the next and final episode of Dub.
Speaker 17 (52:10):
Dynasty that, championship that was just. Karma that Was Steph.
Karma where that guy has brought to the, game to THE,
nba to the. WORLD i think the basketball guys, decided
you know, What we're going to give him his moment
in our.
Speaker 16 (52:25):
Generation he is certainly the greatest point, guard greatest, shooter
BUT i think there's no doubt he's a top ten.
Speaker 10 (52:32):
Player i've literally watched him make one hundred random just
all of, it not even looking at the, basket just
and it was to the point Where i'm, like, man
this dude might not even really be from, him Because
i've never seen these like or maybe it's like a
magic touch in his fingertips or something.
Speaker 11 (52:54):
Like, that but it. WAS i watched it over and
over and over.
Speaker 14 (52:57):
AGAIN i believe he might have the biggest impact in
the game the, ball second to the literally Lazy, smith
just because who was trying to even shoot shots that
he was shooting like he had kids coming down in
fourth grade trying to shoot four.
Speaker 1 (53:18):
Pointers Dub dynasty is a production Of iHeartMedia and THE.
Nba for more podcasts From, iHeartRadio visit The iHeartRadio, App Apple,
podcasts or wherever you get your. Podcasts
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