The NBA Finals did not have a shortage of subplots, and one that caught on pretty well was the Finals Most Valuable Player race. Kevin Durant was the defending Finals MVP, and the trophy had eluded Steph Curry despite all of his accomplishments. Steve Kerr has thoughts on all of this.
Durant eventually and deservedly got the nod, as he secured back-to-back Finals MVP titles after the Golden State Warriors' Game 4 demolition job on the Cleveland Cavaliers. This led some to believe that the decision to give the award to KD would leave a bad taste in Curry's mouth, especially after his MVP-worthy Game 4 performance.
Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked to chime in on the debate, and being the diplomat that he is, the 52-year-old was quick to shutdown any untoward rumors involving the two teammates.
“I know that's a storyline,” said Kerr. “And I'm sure it would have been nice for Steph to win the MVP, but honestly I don't think he's that disappointed at this point.”
A statistical comparison between the two would perhaps tip the balance in the favor of Durant, but it was by no means a runaway contest.
By averaging 27.5 points per contest, Steph Curry was able to match Kevin Durant's 28.8 ppg. However, the latter did put up 10.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists per ballgame versus the former's 6 rebounds and 6.8 assists average.
The highlight of Steph's Finals series was his record-setting nine 3-pointers in Game 2, which was equally matched by Durant's 43-point Game 2 explosion (including an unforgettable dagger trey in the final minute of play).
Most believe that it was Curry's Game 3 meltdown, wherein he went 3-of-16 from the field en route to a Playoffs-low 11 points, which ultimately led to Durant hoisting the trophy.
Either way, the Warriors remain as champions heading into yet another offseason.
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