Draymond and Durant added another great game to their history

These two guys are magic anytime they share the court together, whether as teammates or foes.

Am I the only one who got a kick out of Draymond Green antagonizing Kevin Durant during the Golden State Warriors feel-good win over the Phoenix Suns last night? There were two moments in particular that got everyone on Team Dray pretty fired up as he dealt with the superweapon that is KD.

There was the big triple that the traditionally non-great shooter Green nailed over a Durant closeout that got the crowd into it and had Green staring down KD like it was a shootout in the O.K. corral.

And then there was Green reminding everyone that he’s one of the greatest defenders of all-time, forcing Durant into a tough shot in the final seconds of the game that faltered. This is a HUGE deal as KD is one of the most dangerous clutch performers in the history of basketball, a guy who can get his shot off in a phone booth. He’s literally cemented championships in the Golden Empire by daggering teams with the game in the balance. But Green wasn’t here for none of that last night!

Green and Durant share one of the most compelling, complicated dynamics in NBA history. Their relationship has been defined by mutual respect, fiery clashes, and a shared pursuit of greatness. Their connection truly embodies the emotional highs and lows of competing at the highest level.

When Durant joined the Warriors in 2016, the basketball world knew they were about to witness something special. Green, as the emotional leader and vocal glue of the Warriors’ dynasty, instantly recognized Durant’s transcendent talent and welcomed him as the missing piece to their championship puzzle.

On the court, their synergy was undeniable. Draymond’s defensive versatility and Durant’s scoring brilliance powered Golden State to two consecutive championships. Their pick-and-roll combinations were lethal, and their collective basketball IQ pushed the Warriors to historic levels of dominance.

But greatness doesn’t come without friction. Draymond, a relentless competitor who wears his emotions on his sleeve, often clashed with Durant’s enigmatic nature.

The tipping point came during a heated game in 2018 against the Clippers, when an argument over a late-game possession escalated into Draymond questioning Durant’s commitment to the team amid rumors of his impending free agency. The exchange left a lasting scar, laying bare the underlying tension within the Warriors’ superteam.

While both players downplayed the incident publicly, it symbolized a deeper philosophical divide. Draymond’s loyalty to the Warriors’ culture—rooted in unselfishness and continuity—sometimes collided with Durant’s individualism and desire to carve out his own legacy. Durant later admitted the fallout influenced his decision to leave Golden State after the 2019 Finals.

Yet, through it all, there was an undeniable respect between the two. Draymond has praised Durant as the best scorer he’s ever played with, while Durant has acknowledged Draymond’s invaluable role in shaping the Warriors’ championship DNA. Their relationship remains emblematic of the challenges and rewards of blending superstar egos in the pursuit of collective glory.

Ultimately, Green and Durant’s partnership was a microcosm of the Warriors’ era: brilliant, combustible, and unforgettable. It was proof that even amid conflict, greatness can thrive, and the echoes of their shared dominance continue to reverberate across the league. They even won gold medals together!

So it was great to see these two old frenemies getting busy on the court again, with the result turning in favor of the Dubs.