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OAKLAND – Although the DeMarcus Cousins absorbed most of the heat caused by the Warriors' recent defensive deficiencies, his coaches and teammates were trying to explain their injustice.
They have said time and time again that the best defenses were based on team concepts and that the starting unit, made up of five people, deserved to be blamed.
All five therefore deserve to be commended for their work Friday, when the Warriors spoke and immediately choked the Denver Nuggets for a win at 122-105. The starting lineup was engaged and fierce – nobody more than Kevin Durant.
"He was really stuck," said Andre Iguodala on Saturday. "It changed the game."
Durant's defensive energy found another level, then another. His presence was an important factor in the Warriors limiting the Nuggets to eight points in the first eight minutes, while Denver shot twice out of 12 from the field and made six turnovers. With six flights and two blockages during this period, the Warriors quickly set the tone that permeated Oracle Arena.
Draymond Green has brought the intensity of defense, which is expected. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were hyperactive in defense, as were Cousins.
But Durant, with a height of 6 feet 11 inches and a span of 7-5, was a difference maker because of his intelligence and his waste. He was so connected to his man that several screens failed. The fact that Denver shot 9 times out of 30 of the field is a testament to Durant and Green's effectiveness.
Because of his versatility, able to control the guards on the perimeter and sometimes at the center of the painting, Durant's defense is no less crucial than that of Green, who organizes things for this purpose, or Thompson, whose the best attribute is its ability to pressure balloon.
"Kevin has the potential to be one of the best defensemen in the league, from weak blocks to ball defenders," said Iguodala. "It's a little scary when he uses his length and puts pressure on the running back who really does not have too many options."
Although Durant made a typical offensive production, scoring 26 points on 10 out of 15 shots and adding six assists, his defensive commitment was visible. He was as "fierce" in defense as Thompson (39 points, 13 points out of 22, 9 of 11) at the offensive.
"Because of Klay's excellent play, Kevin's performances are being silenced," said coach Steve Kerr. "But when Kevin plays like that, with that kind of offensive efficiency and that type of defensive energy – the haste – it's really when we're at our best."
The Warriors were terribly defensive in their 33-point loss to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. Thompson is the only regular starter to have escaped blame. He was injured on the knee. All the others were burned several times, in different ways.
Durant sometimes seemed indifferent.
He and his teammates were fully interested on Friday. The Nuggets shot 22.2% in the first quarter and 34.8% in the third when the Warriors closed everything. Denver shot 37.9 percent for the game and was forced to commit 18 turnovers.
With six blocks and three interceptions, Cousins provided the kind of numbers that speak forcefully on his behalf. There would be no scapegoats.
"When you look at the numbers, the statistics and the blocks and it's easy for you to say that DeMarcus did a good game," Durant said Friday night. "If someone tells you that he did not play well, that's what you're going to write in. I do not think anyone in our locker room really blames DeMarcus for anything." We all have misunderstandings, misunderstandings, whatever you want.
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Durant's statistics, two blocks and zero flights, do not compare to those of Cousins. But KD's attention was high. He was in stop mode.
Asked about the difficulty of being a dominant scorer and having a major impact, like Durant, Iguodala did not hesitate.
"I do not know, I've never been able to do some things that he does," he said, "but KD is a player, and when he wants to send a message, I do not not sure if someone can prevent it from sending it. "
Friday's message was to stop blaming the Cousins for the defenses of the defense team. Each member must contribute. And when Durant makes it to the level he reached on Friday, the complaints against Cousins or other people remain silent.
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