Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he is resting superstar small forward Kevin Durant against the Orlando Magic on Thursday because the two-time Finals MVP is tired.
Durant hasn't missed a game all season. The Warriors are on the second night of a back-to-back, so Kerr sees this as a great opportunity to rest KD.
Steve Kerr on Kevin Durant sitting his first game of the season tonight: “He’s just wiped out. He’s tired.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 28, 2019
The regular season doesn't matter for the Warriors. Even if they don't secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference (they currently have it), it would be a shock to everyone if Golden State doesn't advance to the NBA Finals and win its third straight championship.
It's safe to say the Warriors can defeat the Magic without the services of Kevin Durant. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins and Draymond Green are still in the lineup.
Alfonzo McKinnie is starting in Durant’s place versus the Magic.
In 61 games this season, Durant is averaging 27.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.8 assists per contest. The 10-time All-Star is shooting 51.4 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 89.0 percent from the free-throw line.
KD is fourth in the NBA in points per game and 11th in player efficiency rating.
The scoring machine can become a free agent this summer if he declines his 2019-20 player option with Golden State.
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