5 things we learned from the Warriors decimating the Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MAY 06: Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) during game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA on May 06, 2018. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MAY 06: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors shoots against Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffsat the Smoothie King Center on May 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

1. Kevin Durant remains unfair

Golden State was the best team in regular season history when they blew a 3-1 lead in the Finals to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Had the team remained intact, they would have been the favorites heading into the next season. That’s how good Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Steve Kerr are.

They added Kevin Durant.

In this series, the Pelicans seemed to have all their bases covered. Rajon Rondo would be in playoff mode and ready to shutdown Curry. Jrue Holiday is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and ready to chase Klay Thompson all over the court. Anthony Davis could easily snuff out whatever Green was going to do.

Wait. Who’s guarding Durant?

Turns out, it didn’t matter. Durant averaged 27.8 points on 50 percent shooting. The Pelicans tried Holiday, E’Twaun Moore, Davis, both Morris twins at the same time, Rondo, Pierce, and Garnett on Durant. And he had an answer for all of them. He abused shorter players in the post by shooting over them. He beat the double by finding the open man. He created space against taller players.

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Aside from LeBron, Durant is the biggest mismatch in the league. On this team, that mismatch is highlighted on every possession. You might be able to be physical with Curry. You may deny Thompson the ball. You’ll live with Draymond shooting the ball on every possession. But what can you do about Durant?

If you’re the Pelicans, the answer was “nothing.”

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