Former NBA player Nick Young has shared some intriguing details from the 2017-2018 season when he was a member of the world champion Golden State Warriors.
According to Young, there was a fascinating dynamic between Warriors superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant during the NBA Finals that year. “I remember in the Finals that year, Curry and Durant were neck and neck for the Finals MVP,” Young said.
Young revealed that Curry had a rare offside in the series, while Durant stepped up and had a dominant scoring performance. This shift in the Finals MVP race prompted a visible reaction from Curry after the game.
“After the game, Steph was sitting in the locker room with his head down, almost in tears. And this was after they won the championship!” Young said. “He really wanted to win that Finals MVP award.”
Interestingly, Young noted that Durant actually tried to pass the Finals MVP award to Curry, even though Durant had won it the year before. "Durant was actually trying to give him the award, because Kevin had won it before. But he couldn't just miss shots on purpose, you know?" Young explained.
This behind-the-scenes look offers a fascinating look at the competitive dynamics and egos at play, even among teammates on a championship team. Curry's visible dejection at narrowly missing out on the Finals MVP award, despite his team's victory, underscores his relentless drive to earn individual accolades in addition to team success.
Meanwhile, Durant's willingness to forgo the award in favor of his co-star speaks to the complex power dynamics and delicate balancing act required to manage superstar talent on a championship-caliber team.
Young's revelations offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the NBA's most dominant dynasties. It highlights the intense personal motivations and selfish desires that can exist among even the league's greatest players, even when they are united in pursuit of a common goal.
The episode also speaks to the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a superstar in the NBA, where individual accolades can sometimes trump team success, even on the biggest stage.
As the Warriors continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the league, this insight from Young offers a unique and compelling perspective on the challenges and dynamics that have shaped their championship run over the years.
