Kevin Durant BLAMED as the problem for Warriors in Clippers Playoffs series
KEVIN DURANT may have scored 45 points in the shock Game 5 loss to the LA Clippers, but he is the biggest problem for the Golden State Warriors in this year's playoffs.
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That's according to ESPN's Max Kellerman, who believes Durant's impending free agency and "mercenary" persona is having a negative effect on this Warriors team.
There has been a growing tension in the Warriors franchise regarding Durant's free agency, and that spilled out earlier in the season when Draymond Green confronted his team-mate on the court in a heated exchange.
That being said, it was still largely expected this Golden State team would walk their way to a third consecutive NBA title this season.
However, they've come unstuck against a Clippers team which have caused them all sorts of problems on the defensive end.
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Durant has picked up three technical fouls already in this playoff series, as well as being ejected.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP has been incredible on the offensive end, averaging 32 points per game while shooting 56 per cent from the floor.
And he scored a career postseason high 45 points in Game 5 against the Clippers, but that still wasn't enough with Doc Rivers' side pulling off another shock win at the Oracle Arena.
The result has led to huge question marks over the Warriors' title credentials this season, with the No 8 seed causing them serious problems.
But while Durant's offensive efforts on the floor have kept the Warriors in front, Kellerman believes the 30-year-old is having an adverse effect on his team-mates.
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"It's not Kevin Durant the man, it's the player," he said on ESPN's First Take.
"It's everyone else who Kevin Durant is affecting.
"What is defence really about? Communication, effort, playing for each other.
"This team knows Kevin Durant has one foot out the door.
"Think about how this team was built: Steph Curry the engine; Klay Thompson...
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"They brought in Iguodala. Iguodala has been the most under-rated member of this championship dynasty...
"These guys came up together, added Iguodala, played the right way.
"Now they add KD, he's a mercenary. These guys don't have one foot out the door, KD's got on foot out the door.
"And it's affecting all year the chemistry on this team."
