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5 reasons Golden State Warriors can survive Kevin Durant’s injury

By John Buhler

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) walks off the court after the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) walks off the court after the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 132-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

4. 73 wins is already out of the question

With the Warriors’ most recent loss to the Wizards, Golden State’s total of losses on the season hit 10. That means the 2016-17 Warriors cannot match their 73-win campaign from the year before.

Not to say that this year’s group was honestly pushing for that win threshold, but now having it completely out of the question eliminates unwanted and unnecessary pressure on this basketball team. Golden State can focus on getting ready for a deep playoff run, with or without Durant being a part of it.

This most recent loss allows the Warriors to reflect momentarily on what has already happened this season and all that lies ahead. Golden State has 22 regular season games remaining and should win somewhere in the high 60s before entering the playoffs.

For Golden State to survive Durant’s knee injury, the Warriors must keep things simple, albeit tight. The Warriors need to get closer as a basketball team because of this, limiting almost all outside distractions. If Golden State embraces the next man up mentality, the team can survive this blow. 73 wins would have been a distraction and now that’s out the door.

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