During the 2018 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a sweeping 4-0 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Durant hoped that Stephen Curry would claim the 2018 Finals MVP award to validate his teammate’s legacy, Durant ultimately earned the honor himself.
The Struggle for Finals MVP Between Durant and Curry
Quinn Cook, a former Warriors guard, recently revealed details about Durant’s mindset during that Finals series on the Players Choice podcast. Durant was determined for Curry to earn the Finals MVP as a way to silence critics who doubted Curry’s ability to perform on the biggest stage.
To be honest, Kevin wanted Steph to get that Finals MVP. That’s all he was talking about all season: ‘I can’t wait till Steph gets his Finals MVP so he can shut up everybody.’
—Quinn Cook, Former Warriors Guard
Through the first two games, Curry appeared poised to claim the award. He kicked off Game 1 with 29 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. In Game 2, Curry broke an NBA Finals record by making nine three-pointers, finishing with 33 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, putting him clearly ahead in the MVP race.
Durant’s performances in those games were impressive but slightly behind Curry’s with 26 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in Game 1, followed by 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in Game 2.
Durant’s Turning Point in Game 3
The momentum shifted notably in Game 3 when Curry struggled with his shooting, scoring just 11 points on 3-for-16 shooting and 1-for-10 from three-point range. Durant seized control, exploding for 43 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 15-for-23 from the field and 6-for-9 from beyond the arc.
His crucial three-pointer over JR Smith at the end secured the win and gave Golden State a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Final Game Performances and Statistical Breakdown
In Game 4, Curry attempted to reclaim his footing with 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists. However, Durant quietly posted a triple-double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, maintaining his dominance.
When the series ended, Durant’s averages of 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 52.6% shooting edged out Curry’s 27.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists on 40.2% shooting. Durant’s consistent and exceptional performances across all four games, especially his Game 3 masterpiece, ultimately secured him his second consecutive Finals MVP award.
But I think in game two, that’s when Steph broke the record. In game three, we were struggling and Steph was struggling, and Kevin just, like, accidentally walked into forty-whatever.
—Quinn Cook, Former Warriors Guard
And then you look at the numbers statistically, I think Kevin had a triple-double in game four. He wasn’t even as aggressive. That’s how good he is. He wasn’t even as aggressive, and he just accidentally got the Finals MVP back-to-back.
—Quinn Cook, Former Warriors Guard
The Emotional Impact on Curry and Fan Reactions
It is widely reported that Curry took the Finals loss deeply, with accounts suggesting he was emotional in the locker room afterwards. For Warriors fans, discussions over whether Curry was unfairly denied the Finals MVP remain ongoing. Durant has acknowledged this tension in a recent fan Q&A on X, where he responded to a question about why some Golden State fans dislike him by stating:
Them finals MVPs, they will never recover.
—Kevin Durant, NBA Player
This comment has been interpreted by some as a playful jab, while others see it as a subtle critique aimed at Curry and that segment of the fanbase loyal to him.
The Complicated Legacy of the 2018 Finals MVP Race
Despite Durant’s desire for Curry to receive the recognition, Durant’s exceptional talent made it nearly impossible for him not to dominate. Even with less aggression, his ability to take over games and put up historic statistics was undeniable. This contradiction—wanting Curry to win but being too impactful to allow it—adds an intriguing dimension to the Warriors’ dynasty narrative.
The debate over the 2018 Finals MVP does not diminish Golden State’s supremacy during that period but adds layers to how fans view Durant’s legacy in the Bay Area. Had Curry won the award that year, it might have altered perceptions of both players and the way their relationship is discussed today.