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    Controversial Ex-NBA Star Says Steph Curry, Warriors Had to Get a 'Bazooka' to Beat LeBron James

    By Paolo Mariano,

    3 hours ago

    In a move that sent shockwaves throughout the NBA, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors, who were coming off a record 73-9 season, in 2016.

    It marked a significant shift in the league's power dynamics, as Durant, an MVP and scoring champion, teamed up with the All-Star trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, creating arguably the strongest super team in NBA history.

    Durant, who left the Oklahoma City Thunder, was widely criticized following his decision. He was called a "snake" and "cupcake." Many felt he chose the easy way out by joining the squad that just eliminated them in the previous playoffs.

    But for former All-Star Gilbert Arenas, KD shouldn't be faulted for his move. He also argued that the narrative was skewed against Durant.

    “They (Warriors) are the 73-9 team," Arenas said on the "Gil's Arena" podcast. "To recruit, so they can go murk the rest of the NBA, everybody put the narrative on KD for saying yes but not the Golden State Warriors for going out and getting a bazooka.

    "Your guns weren’t big enough to beat LeBron James that you got to go out and get a bazooka just to say, 'It's over with!'"

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0jjJL5_0v6bqI4e00
    Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

    Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

    Durant cited the opportunity for personal growth and the chance to be part of a team-oriented culture as key reasons for his decision.

    It immediately bore fruit as he won two titles and two Finals MVPs with the Warriors, beating LeBron's Cleveland Cavaliers in both instances.

    "We use four championships for Steph's legacy, right?" Arenas, who was suspended in 2009 for violating the NBA's firearms policy, added. "KD was part of two of those, but he doesn't get his credit."

    Durant played one more season in the Bay Area before bolting for the Brooklyn Nets in a sign-and-trade deal.

    Related: Steph Curry Shares Wild Story About Ex-NBA Champion Cussing Out Reporter

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