Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James and Kevin Love, most valuable duo
By Ryan Piers
Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry
When Durant signed on the dotted line with the Golden State Warriors, skeptics questioned how he’d jell with the Dubs’ golden boy. They wondered if there’d be enough shots to satisfy two ball magnets; if the 3-point lines would break under the pressure of two premier outside shooters.
But the pair has quieted doubters, with both shooting just as frequently together as apart. Durant is averaging 18.8 field goal attempts per game this year, just three below his career average. Curry is actually shooting nearly a shot more per game this season than usual with 17.7 field goals attempted per game.
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Their production has been just fine. Durant posted a near high in win shares per 48 minutes (.278) last season. Curry’s .280 this year is the third-best of his career.
When the duo shares the floor, they’re nearly unstoppable. Curry and Durant’s combined offensive rating is 120.1. It’s the third-best total in the league, and the No. 1 duo is Houston’s Trevor Ariza and Eric Gordon — two role players.
But here’s the catch. The duo ranked second in combined offensive rating is Durant and Draymond Green at 120.2. And fifth is Curry and Green. The Warriors have a plethora of options, all benefited by each other and a system generous to scorers.
Either James or Love have led the Cavaliers in scoring in every game this season. The two account for 42.6 percent of the Cavs’ points, 44.6 percent of their rebounds and 46.2 percent of the teams assists.
Even if Durant and Curry are the better duo, LeBron and Love are more valuable to their team. Yes, that debate applies to most valuable duo as well.