Durant drops 32 as Warriors beat downtrodden Cavs
The Golden State Warriors have been on an absolute tear on the road this season. Not only have the defending champions won 13 straight road games, they’ve also posted an impressive 20-3 record away from Oracle Arena.
While the Warriors are flying high and mighty as the NBA season reaches its halfway point, their Eastern Conference counterparts have settled into another midseason slump. The Cleveland Cavaliers are still sitting pretty in third place in the East, but their recent struggles have called into question their legitimacy as title contenders.
Monday night, these two teams heading in seemingly opposite directions met up for yet another regular season classic that pitted King James against his greatest rival, Kevin Durant. The two dropped 32 points each and put on a show, but it was KD and the Warriors who came away with the victory, 118-108.
In recent years, Durant has challenged James’ stronghold on his position as the best player in the league. Though LeBron has historically dominated Durant in the regular season and playoffs throughout his decorated career, the gap is closing and the numbers are beginning to trend in Durant’s favor.
While LBJ possesses the better all-time head to head record between the two generational superstars at 19-11, the Slim Reaper has absolutely had The King’s number since joining forces with Golden State. Since that controversial singing, Durant has won seven of their last nine matchups and the Warriors have outscored the Cavs by an average of 9.4 points per game.
Of course, LeBron won’t give his throne over without a fight. However, the day he’ll no longer be able to fend off the hungry Durant isn’t as distant as it once seemed to be.
Yes, James is at the height of his powers and he’s put Father Time on hold yet again to reinvent his game. The King has beat all odds and put together a career year in his 15th season, but if Durant’s monstrous first quarter dunk over him in transition is any indication, he’s coming for his crown.
LeBron may still the best basketball player on the face of the planet for now, but don’t expect his reign to last much longer. It could take a few season or another NBA Finals beatdown, but soon Durant will reign supreme across the NBA landscape.
