Inside The Warriors

Klay Thompson: Warriors 'Wouldn't Have Four' Rings Without Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant was huge for the Golden State Warriors and their dynasty

Joey Linn

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors celebrated their fourth ring in last last eight years during Tuesday's pre-game ceremony. It was an opportunity to celebrate not only this most recent championship, but each of the four that have come during this dynasty era. While each were unique, two came with current Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson wanted to make sure he got his credit. Following the game, Klay said, "Give KD a lot of credit too because we wouldn't have 4 without him."

Perhaps at the peak of his powers during his time with the Warriors, Durant gave Golden State some incredible seasons. The Warriors had a legitimate shot at a three-peat if Durant did not get hurt in the 2019 Finals, which would have made this most recent title their sixth in the last eight seasons.

Winning two Finals MVP awards as a member of the Warriors, Durant was absolutely incredible. While fans have argued whether or not the Warriors would have won those titles without him, Klay Thompson believes they would not have four championships in this era without Durant.

Now with the Nets, Durant is trying to blaze his own trail, and win a title without Steph Curry and the Warriors. With Golden State having gotten another ring after his departure, there will always be talking points surrounding that dynamic, but Klay Thompson is here to show appreciation rather than diving into those.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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