When Kevin Durant joined forces with Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors in 2016, the NBA landscape trembled. The duo formed a basketball juggernaut, a near-unstoppable force that redefined dominance. Together, they powered the Warriors to back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018, with Durant earning Finals MVP honors both times. But behind the glitz of those trophies lies a surprising story—one of selflessness, mutual respect, and an “accidental” twist that shaped their legacy.
From 2016 to 2019, Curry and Durant were the ultimate cheat code. Curry, the sharpshooting maestro, revolutionized the game with his limitless range and gravity-defying play. Durant, a 7-foot scoring machine, brought versatility and clutch performance that left opponents helpless. Their partnership was a symphony of skill, culminating in two titles and a near-perfect run. Yet, for all their shared success, one narrative lingered: Curry, despite his rings, lacked a Finals MVP—the supposed gold standard of greatness.
Fans and critics alike pointed to this gap in Curry’s resume, questioning whether he could truly be considered among the all-time greats without that elusive award. That changed in 2022, when Curry led the Warriors to another championship and finally claimed his first Finals MVP, silencing the doubters and cementing his legacy as one of basketball’s transcendent stars.
Rewind to the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Warriors were locked in a battle with LeBron James and company, but it was Durant who stole the spotlight. His iconic dagger three-pointer in Game 3—a cold-blooded shot over LeBron—became the defining moment of the series. That performance, coupled with his consistent brilliance, earned him the Finals MVP. Curry, though spectacular in his own right, was overshadowed. The narrative began to take hold: Was Curry riding Durant’s coattails?
But a stunning revelation from former Warriors guard Quinn Cook flipped this story on its head. In an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Tristi Rodriguez, Cook shared a glimpse into Durant’s mindset—one that showcased his deep respect for his teammate.
“Kevin wanted Steph to get that Finals MVP the next year so bad,” Cook revealed. “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.’”
Heading into the 2018 NBA Finals, Durant wasn’t chasing personal glory. He was on a mission to see Curry crowned. In Game 2, Curry erupted, breaking the Finals record with nine three-pointers in a dazzling display of his otherworldly shooting. It seemed like the stage was set for Curry to claim the award. But fate had other plans.
In Game 3, the Warriors struggled, and Curry’s shots weren’t falling. Enter Durant, who, according to Cook, “accidentally walked into 40 points.” His effortless dominance carried the team. By Game 4, Durant’s stat line was staggering—a triple-double that sealed his second straight Finals MVP. “He wasn’t even as aggressive,” Cook noted. “That’s just how good he is. He just accidentally got the Finals MVP back-to-back.”
Comparing Curry and Durant’s stats from that 2018 run feels futile now. Durant’s numbers may have tipped the scales, but the true story lies in their camaraderie. Durant didn’t need another trophy to validate his greatness; he wanted Curry to have his moment. Yet, basketball is a game of moments, and Durant’s natural brilliance inadvertently stole the spotlight.
Despite parting ways in 2019, Curry and Durant’s relationship remains one of mutual admiration. Their time together wasn’t just about rings or awards—it was about pushing each other to new heights. Both future Hall of Famers have transcended the need for validation. Curry got his Finals MVP in 2022, proving his critics wrong. Durant, meanwhile, continues to dominate as one of the game’s greatest scorers.