NEW YORK CITY — Kevin Durant’s absence slides more usage onto the plates of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, added playmaking and defensive responsibility toward Draymond Green and more rebounding duties to the center spot.
Everyone must fill in small gaps to help patch up the massive void. For most of the roster, it’s a relatively minor change. But for the Warrior wings, it’s a brand new basketball world.
Patrick McCaw has gone from a rookie on the fringe of the rotation to a starter guarding some of the league’s best perimeter talent. Matt Barnes went from unemployed to very much needed in an NBA title push.