The ongoing debate around defense in basketball has captured the attention of NBA players and fans alike. Recently, this discussion gained momentum after Kevin Durant’s remarks on the Netflix series “Starting 5,” which touched on the significance of defensive play in winning championships.
Kevin Durant Questions the Importance of Defense
In the latest episode of “Starting 5,” released in October, Kevin Durant openly questioned the necessity of defense for championship success. He stated, “You have to score baskets if you want to win a championship,” emphasizing that scoring takes precedence over defensive effort. Durant further claimed that playing defense is relatively easy compared to offensive challenges.
Draymond Green’s Strong Defense Argument
In response to Durant’s comments, Draymond Green, Durant’s former teammate with the Golden State Warriors, highlighted the crucial role of defense in championship victories. In a sit-down interview with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Green pointed out that all championship teams are characterized by strong defensive play.
- Green remarked, “Those who don’t believe defense is as valuable as it is, they simply just don’t win.”
- He noted that many teams fall short due to their inability to secure stops.
The Accomplishments of Durant and Green
Durant and Green had a highly successful tenure together from 2016 to 2019, competing in three NBA Finals and securing two championships. Despite their achievements, a philosophical divide exists between them regarding basketball strategy.
Championship Experience
Durant has two NBA championship rings and has been named Finals MVP twice, joining an elite group of players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. This success raises questions about the validity of his perspective on offense versus defense.
Statistical Evidence on Offense and Defense
During their first championship season together in 2016-17, the Warriors achieved record-breaking offensive metrics, boasting a league-leading offensive rating of 115.6. Their offensive prowess continued in the 2017-18 season with a rating of 113.6, ranking third overall. The collaboration of Durant, along with sharpshooters Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, created one of the most formidable offenses in history.
Defensive Performance Metrics
Despite their offensive success, defense remained a crucial aspect of their gameplay. Key statistics during Durant’s time with the Warriors include:
| Season | Defensive Rating | Opponent Field Goal Percentage Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 2nd | 1st |
| 2017-18 | 11th | 3rd |
Green finished the 2016-17 season with the best defensive rating in the league, while Durant ranked sixth. However, the Warriors’ defensive performance fluctuated in subsequent seasons.
Conclusion: Diverging Views on Defense
The relationship between Durant and Green has evolved over the years. Although they have reconciled and played for Team USA together, their differing views on the impact of defense in basketball remain evident. As both players continue their respective journeys in the NBA, fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this pivotal aspect of the game.
