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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 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry smiles on the court during warm-ups prior to the Warriors’ game against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry smiles on the court during warm-ups prior to the Warriors’ game against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Golden State has already clinched a playoff spot

Not only do the Warriors not have to worry about 73 wins anymore, but they don’t need to worry about qualifying for the Western Conference Playoffs as they have already done so. They are a few games away from clinching the Pacific Division over the Clippers. The fewer distractions the rest of the way for Golden State, the better.

While Golden State would look to maintain its No. 1 seed in the West, this is a basketball team that can win playoff series regardless of where it’s seeded. Golden State could drop to No. 2 or No. 3 in a worst case scenario, but that doesn’t seem overly likely.

In short, Golden State has 22 games to figure out a new rotation that does not involve Durant. He can get the treatment he needs on his knee while his basketball team evolves without him. Durant’s minutes will be allocated across the team as Kerr sees fit.

In a way, this injury is a bit of a reset for Golden State to get back to the fundamentals and re-establish their edge. Sometimes adversity like this gets the best out of people. Not winning the NBA Finals last year could still be a driving force, but winning without Durant could be the impetus to this team needs. The next 22 games for Golden State don’t matter. What does matter is the 16+ coming in April, May, and June coming after that.

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