For those who were entranced with the thought that things are always good in the Bay Area, a dark cloud that fell over the defending champs brought them back to reality. Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant was reportedly seen sitting at the Staples Center loading dock “just thinking” after his on-court spat with Draymond Green.
ESPN's Marc J. Spears detailed the Warriors' recent setback and Durant's reaction just moments after their loss against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.
A peeved Durant got dressed quickly after the loss, headed out of the locker room before all of his teammates and spent time sitting at the Staples Center loading dock just thinking, a source said.
While this ultimately shouldn't hamper the Warriors' bid for a three-peat this season, this Durant-Green issue could potentially lead to the downfall of this dynasty.
Obviously, Durant was frustrated when Green failed to give him the ball during the waning seconds of that game's regulation. However, things became personal when the Warriors huddled up before overtime.
Other sources said Green crossed the line when he responded with a very personal, expletive-laden tirade. Those words included Green telling Durant that he succeeded before he arrived and questioning the two-time Finals MVP’s loyalty with his upcoming free agency.
Altercations between teammates are not uncommon on championship teams. We would always see LeBron James lash out at Mario Chalmers during their title runs with the Miami Heat. Kobe Bryant would often be frustrated at Pau Gasol during their three straight Finals appearances with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe and Shaquille O'Neal infamously had their squabbles.
However, Durant's reactions after the game and during a press conference hint that the issue went beyond the basketball court. Sure, the two will likely straighten things out and the Warriors will still be the title favorite this season.
But as for Kevin Durant and his free agency in 2019, things could change after what happened Monday.
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