In the opening two games of the Finals, Stephen Curry shined brightly while Kevin Durant appeared somewhat quiet, leading many to assume the race for Finals MVP was already decided. Yet the bigger picture told a different story. Throughout both the regular season and the playoffs, Durant consistently posted the highest win shares on the team, making him the most stable contributor among the Warriors’ star-studded lineup. Fans following these stats on Cricket Exchange often noted that his impact rarely dipped, regardless of circumstances.
Durant’s performance in Game 3 served as another reminder of his reliability. While others may stumble, he never truly falls short. In fact, his lowest-scoring game of that playoff run still produced 22 points. For a player of that caliber, the idea of debating whether he deserves a max contract seems pointless. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. The only real question is whether Durant chooses to pursue that deal himself. In Game 3, with Curry hampered by foul trouble and a cold shooting night that limited him to just 11 points, Durant rose to the occasion. He erupted for 43 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, capped off by a dagger three-pointer that sealed the win.
Durant joined the Warriors as a free agent and immediately transformed their fortunes. In his first season with Golden State, he not only helped secure the championship but also delivered a Finals masterpiece against the Cavaliers, averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on over 55 percent shooting across five games. That dominance earned him Finals MVP. This season, the Warriors’ playoff journey looked less smooth compared to their commanding 16–1 run the previous year, but Durant’s presence once again proved decisive. Cricket Exchange reports repeatedly highlighted how his consistency steadied the team through difficult stretches.
Even in the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets, Durant faced criticism for relying too much on isolation plays. Yet his numbers told another story. Across the series, he averaged 30.4 points per game, remaining the team’s most dependable offensive weapon. He carried games on his shoulders, often single-handedly tipping the balance. Such performances left awards voters with little choice but to acknowledge his greatness once more.
Durant’s journey illustrates how narratives can shift quickly. From being questioned for his style to silencing critics with unmatched production, he demonstrated that true stars find ways to shine when the spotlight burns brightest. As fans continue to debate MVP credentials and team legacies on Cricket Exchange, one fact is certain: Durant’s ability to deliver under pressure keeps his name etched among the very best in basketball history.