Kevin Durant‘s time with the Golden State Warriors was marked by extraordinary success, yet one moment from that era continues to spark debate among basketball fans. The 2018 NBA Finals saw Durant win the Finals MVP over teammate Steph Curry in a sweep against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Durant’s impressive performance—averaging 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 53% from the field—there remains contention over the award, especially among Warriors supporters who favored Curry’s influence.
Former Warriors guard Quinn Cook, who played alongside Durant, revealed during a recent Players Choice podcast how Durant actually did not desire the Finals MVP title that year. Cook recalled the atmosphere during the Finals in Houston’s Toyota Center, describing intense moments when Durant was the go-to scorer amid a critical run by the Rockets.
Cook said,
“When we were in Houston and Toyota Center was going crazy, and they just made a 9-0 run and we needed a bucket, we’re going to Kevin every single time. And to be honest, Kevin wanted Steph to get that Finals MVP the next year so bad,”
—Quinn Cook, former Golden State Warriors teammate
He added,
“That’s all he was talking about all season, like ‘I can’t wait until Steph gets his Finals MVP’ so he can shut up everybody, the naysayers.”
Cook further detailed how Durant’s MVP award in 2018 seemed almost unintentional, highlighting specific games to illustrate his point.
“But I think in Game 2 [of the Finals], that’s when Steph broke the record, he had nine threes. And then Game 3, we were struggling, Steph was struggling, and Kevin just accidentally walked into 40. 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
Performance Statistics and the MVP Debate
Golden State’s dominant 4-0 sweep over Cleveland was underscored by Durant’s strong individual stats. His numbers made a clear case for earning the 2018 Finals MVP title over Curry, who also posted notable statistics including 27.5 points and near-perfect free-throw shooting. Nevertheless, fans and analysts often point to Curry’s ability to influence the flow of the game and command attention on the court as reasons for why some believe he deserved more recognition during that Finals series.
Kevin Durant Addresses Warriors Fans and MVP Controversy
Recently, Durant weighed in on the mixed feelings Warriors fans harbor toward him, attributing much of the fanbase’s frustration to his Finals MVP awards. Durant’s candid remarks came amid ongoing tensions with some Warriors followers, reflecting on the lasting impact the MVP decisions have had in shaping public perception of his legacy within the franchise.
He tweeted simply,
“Them finals mvps, they will never recover.”
This blunt statement illustrates how deeply the MVP controversy lingers, though it is well understood within NBA circles that Durant’s contributions during the 2018 Finals were significant. Despite past friction, many Golden State supporters remain open to the possibility of Durant returning to the Warriors in the future and ending any lingering disputes.
Why This Moment Still Resonates in NBA Conversations
Kevin Durant’s 2018 Finals MVP win continues to be a focal point for discussions about player impact and award merit in championship basketball. Quinn Cook’s revelation that Durant preferred the recognition to go to Curry adds a new dimension to how fans and analysts view that season. It highlights Durant’s team-first mentality amid the competitive dynamics of the Warriors’ star-studded roster.
The ongoing debate underscores how individual accolades can influence fan loyalties and shape narratives long after the final buzzer. As Durant’s story evolves, his 2018 Finals MVP remains a defining episode that captures both his excellence and humility in a highly competitive era.