Kevin Durant’s desire for Stephen Curry to earn the Finals MVP title was clear during the 2017-18 NBA season, despite Durant himself winning the honor that year. Warriors reserve guard Quinn Cook, who played alongside Durant and Curry from 2017 to 2019, revealed that Durant made it a priority for Curry to receive recognition for his performances in the Finals. This goal was especially important to Durant given that Curry had multiple championships but had yet to secure a Finals MVP award.
Throughout the season, Durant expressed to his teammates how much he wanted Curry to get the MVP, aiming to silence critics who questioned Curry’s status despite his success. However, during the 2018 Finals, Durant’s performance was exceptional, averaging 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. Meanwhile, Curry faced shooting difficulties, managing 27.5 points on 40.2% shooting, making Durant the natural choice for Finals MVP once again.
How Durant’s Performance Overshadowed Curry Despite His Support
Quinn Cook recounted moments from the Finals that highlighted Durant’s dominance, sometimes surpassing his own intent to defer the honor to Curry. In Game 2 of the Finals, Curry set a record by sinking nine three-pointers, a significant achievement. Yet by Game 3, with both the team and Curry struggling, Durant unexpectedly scored 40 points. In Game 4, Durant recorded a triple-double while appearing less aggressive on the court, which underscored his efficiency and overall impact during the series.
“But I think in Game 2 [of the Finals], that’s when Steph broke the record, he had nine 3s. And then Game 3, we were struggling, Steph was struggling, and Kevin just accidentally walked into 40 [points]. And then you just look at the numbers statistically, I think Kevin had a triple-double in Game 4. He wasn’t even as aggressive; that’s just how good he is. He just accidentally got the Finals MVP back-to-back.” —Quinn Cook, Former Warriors Guard
The Warriors’ Pursuit of a Lasting Dynasty and Its Toll
The Warriors, after assembling their superstar lineup including Durant, Curry, and Andre Iguodala, won the NBA championship in 2017 and again reached the Finals in 2018, facing the Cavaliers for the fourth straight year. The team’s earlier Finals MVPs were awarded to Iguodala in 2015 and Durant in 2017, leaving Curry without the accolade, despite his pivotal role. This absence drew criticism from the media, which frustrated Durant.
However, the Warriors’ quest was interrupted by injuries that hampered their 2019 Finals efforts and, soon after, Durant’s departure in free agency dealt a blow to the core group’s long-term goals. The combination of these setbacks disrupted the team’s dynastic aspirations and challenged their ability to sustain dominance in the league.
Stephen Curry’s Victory and Finals MVP in 2022
Ultimately, Stephen Curry secured the Finals MVP in 2022, a long-awaited personal achievement that aligned with Durant’s earlier hopes. During that championship run, Curry posted impressive numbers, averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, solidifying his leadership and contribution to the Warriors’ success. This milestone highlighted Curry’s importance to the team and served as a significant moment in the franchise’s legacy.
The Lasting Impact of Durant’s Support for Curry
Kevin Durant’s efforts to elevate Stephen Curry for the Finals MVP illustrate the complex dynamics within the Warriors during their title runs. Despite his own accolades, Durant prioritized Curry’s recognition, showing a commitment to teamwork and acknowledgment of Curry’s talent. Though unforeseen circumstances delayed that honor, Curry eventually earned the award, reflecting the fulfillment of Durant’s initial vision and the evolving narrative of the Warriors’ dynasty.