Golden State Warriors: Top 10 moments of the 2018-19 NBA season

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16: Klay Thompson #11, Stephen Curry #30 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors are photographed during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 16, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

5. Kevin Durant scores 50 to close out the Clippers

When LeBron James failed to qualify for the 2019 NBA Playoffs, it provided an opening the likes of which hadn’t been seen in years. For quite some time, James had held the unofficial title of the best player in the world. In his absence, the opportunity was present for someone to take the mantle when the games mattered most.

Since his rise to stardom, Kevin Durant has constantly been nipping at LeBron’s heels. Some would say he even surpassed him as the reigning two-time Finals MVP. If he were ever to assert himself as the clear-cut No. 1, a LeBron-less playoff picture would be the ideal platform.

Against the Los Angeles Clippers in round one, KD certainly looked the part of top dog. He averaged a ridiculous 35.0 points on a shooting line of .567/.400/.949 to go along with 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks during the six-game series. It was as convincing an argument as one could make.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1122002126065033216

Despite his efforts, the Warriors found themselves in an unexpected Game 6 at Staples Center, where the Clippers would have the chance to forth a decisive Game 7. L.A. had already won two at Oracle Arena, but Durant wouldn’t give a chance for a third, dropping a career playoff-high 50 points in a convincing 129-110 victory.

He shot 15-of-26 from the field and chipped in six rebounds and five assists as well. Injuries would keep Durant from claiming the long-desired title more than anything, but outings like this one will continue to do all the talking for him. From there, it’s up to everyone else to recognize his greatness.

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