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While meeting potential freelance contenders, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson may want to show a video of the Warriors' 116-110 victory over the Magic on Monday at Oracle Arena.
While Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were still out of injury, Durant and Thompson overcame an Orlando-inspired performance although they received minimal help from their actors. This reinforced the reason why the teams will be offering these two big sums of money in July in the face of a franchise.
Durant scored 49 points, a top in the season, five of his career-high, with nine rebounds, two blocks and two interceptions. Meanwhile, Thompson finished with 29 on the five-point three-point force and 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Warriors rallied after an 18-point deficit in the second quarter for their third consecutive victory.
"They were both in attack," said Golden State head coach Steve Kerr. "They both know, especially with Steph out, that they have to be really very aggressive, and they've both been. They were great. "
When the Warriors are healthy, Durant and Thompson embark on a basketball utopia, with several stars playing at their best working together to win championships. However, most NBA teams – including many who could offer Durant and Thompson max contracts – must often depend on the size of a player of choice.
During the duo, Durant and Thompson have more combined talents than perhaps the two best players of any other franchise. This was evident Monday when, after working very early, Durant and Thompson almost wanted the Golden State to win.
"It's a great luxury that we have during (Durant) and Klay to make big shots," said striker Kevon Looney. "As a role guy, we know that if we do our job on the defensive side and do all the little things, these guys will take us home."
Two nights after accumulating 44 points in a win over the Kings, Durant shot 3 to 9 from the field in the first quarter, then scored 13-24 the rest of the way. With his team down 17 points at half-time, Durant was an aggressor, scoring 16 points in the third to help reduce Golden State's deficit to four early in the fourth.
Thompson, who scored four shots in thirteen out of three quarters, finally began to organize in the fourth period. In just over six minutes, he added 16 points. Thompson's pointer, which left 5:26 behind, gave Golden State a 102-100 lead.
While it was less than two minutes, Durant was crossing two defenders, stood in a superposition while making contact, and with a scowl, turned around before hitting the free kick that ensued to put the Warriors up 110-107. While there was about 22 seconds, Durant hit a three pointer from the top of the bow to give Golden State a four point cushion.
It was all the Warriors needed one night, and the reception was reminded of how helpful Durant and Thompson were. Although most of the NBA teams collapse with two All-Stars on the sidelines, Golden State is flourishing while Curry (left tendin) and Green (sprained right foot) lie on the bench.
Durant and Thompson had little support on Monday, making their efforts even more important. Apart from these two, the Warriors have accumulated 38 points.
Judging by their smiles as the final ring sounded, Durant and Thompson were thrilled to see their team win. The question is whether they would like to have to make this type of effort night after night so that their team remains relevant.
"I still missed 17 shots," said Durant, sweeping the box score. "I feel that I would have had some shots that I would have liked to be able to make, last match and this match. I just got back to the gym. "
Connor Letourneau is an editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Con_Chron
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