Kevin Durant's injury creates welcome intrigue

OAKLAND, Calif. – For those of you who think that you have been affected by Kevin Durant's injured right of way Wednesday night, this is not going to go well.

The possibility of the Golden State Warriors losing for the 6th semifinals of the Western Conference, if not longer, creates delicious intrigue.

Durant's status is uncertain with the Warriors leading the Houston Rockets 3-2 heading into Game 6 Friday. Golden State won 104-99 on Wednesday.

But this injury allows the rest to ponder these questions:

Could Durant's absence allow Steph Curry to regain the dominant offensive role Curry Gave Up When Joined the Warriors before the 2016-17 season?

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Could Curry lead the Warriors, but not only the Rockets, but to a third straight NBA title as Durant, set to undergoes and MRI Thursday, simply watches?

It would be foolish to argue the Warriors can be better without Durant. But it would be just as foolish to bet against Curry, especially after what transpired.

"During the timeout, we looked at each other, and there were a couple of things in the world that were meant for us and the guys that were going to help us step in," Curry said. "Next-man-up mentality, Draymond (Green) said that at some point in that timeout."

Curry stepped up, all right.

After Durant's injury, which the team described as a strain, Curry made his next two shots to close the third quarter. He then propelled the Warriors to victory with 12 points in the fourth quarter.

It felt a little like 2015, when Curry led the Warriors to the NBA championship – while Durant was still with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"If Kevin is out, then what you're going to do," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

What you saw is while Curry initiated the offense, the Warriors played with heightened passion and zest.

There was Green, burying a clutch 3-point and 11 strong, 10 rebounds and eight points.

There was Klay Thompson, drilling his fifth 3-pointer of the night and breaking a recent shooting with a high-point 27 points.

There was Kevon Looney, blocking Chris Paul's layup with 1:17 left to play. And Jonas Jerebko, draining a long 3-pointer. And the frenetic Warriors, locking down on defense and holding James Harden to only five points in the fourth quarter.

All of that without Durant, who entered the game averaging 34.2 points during the playoffs.

There is a need to be satisfied, "Green said." But one thing I think that everyone understands and understands that they are going to have a role to play.

Can they?

Against the Rockets?

With Curry leading the way?

It will be damn fun to find out.