The Golden State Warriors dynasty was not built on roses. As super-powered as their roster was, especially since Kevin Durant joined the Dubs, the team had to go through external and internal fires to develop their chemistry and mettle.
One testy instance involved Durant getting irritated by then-Warriors teammates Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green in one practice session. The 2015 NBA Finals MVP recalled how it all went down during an appearance on JJ Redick's “The Old Man and the Three.”
“This is after the All-Star break, and we’re just trying to get our rhythm back with the Warriors. And me and Draymond are competitors. Like we’re trying to win, and the only way we’re gonna win is if we double team KD. KD was so mad. I’m like, bro, do you not understand what we’re trying to tell you?”,
“You’re that good… you’ve got two guys who are elite, all-time on defense and we have to double team you. Don’t be mad at us bro, like you’re that good!”
Despite being a generational talent, Kevin Durant being guarded by Iguodala and Green during the Warriors' practices further sharpened his already elite game.
Draymond Green won the Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 while Andre Iguodala has been regarded as one of the league's best lockdown defenders. Despite seeing his scoring average take a dip with the Warriors from 2016-17 to 2018-19, Durant enjoyed better efficiency along with a more refined defensive game.
The Warriors won two championships with Kevin Durant in the fold, so it's safe to say that the intense practices didn't come to naught.
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