The NBA world is buzzing with an age-old debate: Can a team win it all with offense alone? But this time, it's not just any players at the center of the discussion, it's two former teammates with championship rings to their names.
Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, once a dynamic duo on the Golden State Warriors, have sparked a conversation about the age-old adage, 'Defense wins championships.' Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, recently made a bold statement on the Netflix show 'Starting 5,' claiming that offense is the key to championship glory.
Durant's words were not taken lightly, especially by his former teammate. Green, known for his defensive prowess, quickly fired back, stating, 'You have to score baskets to win, but defense is what gets you there.' He emphasized that every championship-winning team in NBA history had a formidable defense, and those who don't value defense simply don't win.
And here's where it gets interesting. Durant and Green, despite their differing opinions, achieved great success together. In their three seasons as teammates, they reached the NBA Finals thrice and claimed two championships. Their 2016-17 season was historic, with the Warriors boasting an incredible 115.6 offensive rating, thanks to the trio of Durant, Curry, and Thompson. But what's often overlooked is that the Warriors also had the second-best defensive rating that season, with Green and Durant ranking among the league's best defenders.
But the story doesn't end there. Durant and Green's relationship took a turn during the 2018-19 season, with an on-court dispute leading to Durant's eventual departure from the Warriors. This adds a layer of complexity to their differing views on the game.
So, was Durant's success solely due to his offensive prowess, or did Green's defensive mindset play a crucial role? And how much does defense truly matter in the pursuit of a championship? This debate is sure to divide opinions, and we want to hear from you. Do you agree with Durant's offensive-focused philosophy, or do you side with Green's defense-first approach? Share your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going!
