In the 2018 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors achieved a dominant sweep over the Cleveland Cavaliers, securing their third championship in four years. While Kevin Durant was named Finals MVP for the second consecutive year, a recent revelation from former Warriors guard Quinn Cook sheds light on an intriguing subplot: Durant’s genuine desire for Stephen Curry to earn his first Finals MVP.Diario AS+2Wikipedia+2
Quinn Cook, who was part of the Warriors’ championship roster, shared insights during an appearance on The Player’s Choice podcast. He recalled Durant’s unwavering focus throughout the 2017-18 season on helping Curry attain the elusive Finals MVP. Cook noted, “Kevin wanted Steph to get that Finals MVP the next year so bad. That’s all he was talking about all season, like ‘I can’t wait until Steph gets his Finals MVP’ so he can shut up everybody, the naysayers.” Fadeaway World+3talkbasket.net+3SI+3TikTok+5SI+5The SportsRush+5
Durant’s commitment to this goal was evident in his unselfish play during the Finals. Despite his own stellar performances, including a 43-point outing in Game 3, Durant often deferred to Curry, allowing him opportunities to shine. In Game 2, Curry set a Finals record with nine three-pointers, showcasing his scoring prowess. However, in Game 3, when Curry faced challenges, Durant stepped up, delivering a commanding performance that further solidified his Finals MVP candidacy. Diario ASSI
Cook emphasized Durant’s humility and team-first mentality, highlighting that Durant’s exceptional play was not driven by personal accolades but by a genuine desire to elevate his teammates. This selflessness, coupled with his on-court brilliance, made Durant an invaluable asset to the Warriors during their championship runs.
While Durant’s back-to-back Finals MVPs were a testament to his individual excellence, Cook’s account reveals a deeper narrative of camaraderie and selflessness. Durant’s actions during the 2018 Finals exemplify the essence of teamwork, where personal glory takes a backseat to collective success.
In the end, while Durant’s performance earned him the Finals MVP, his true victory lay in his unwavering support for Curry, underscoring the profound bond between teammates and the shared pursuit of greatness.
