OAKLAND, Calif. -- When the Minnesota Timberwolves handed the Stephen Curry-less Golden State Warriors their second straight loss two weekends ago, Kevin Durant, to the surprise of many, said in his postgame media address that "Steph is the system here."
The 6-foot-11 forward was openly acknowledging an often-unpopular stance: Golden State's hope of securing a third championship in four years rests upon the ankles, and now, the left knee, of Curry.
The team has struggled to win without the two-time MVP, despite having three other All-Stars to rely on.