As the NBA Finals unfolded, early buzz suggested that the Finals MVP was already in the bag for Stephen Curry, who delivered stellar performances in the first two games. In contrast, Kevin Durant’s more subdued showings raised eyebrows. However, those who’ve followed the season closely knew the truth ran deeper. Throughout both the regular season and the playoffs, Durant consistently led the Warriors in win shares, proving himself as the most reliable contributor among the team’s famed “Big Four.” Just like any tightly contested BD Cricket Match, one player’s steady hand can make all the difference—and Durant has been that player all season long.

Game 3 of the Finals flipped the narrative entirely. With Curry plagued by foul trouble and an off shooting night, scoring just 11 points, Durant rose to the occasion. He exploded for 43 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists, including a decisive deep three that sealed the win. It was a performance for the ages, a reminder that when the lights shine brightest, Durant never shies away. In fact, his worst playoff performance this year still saw him contribute 22 points—an off night by his standards, but better than most players on their best.

Durant joined the Warriors as a free agent in the summer of 2016. In his first season, he helped the team capture the NBA title and earned Finals MVP honors after averaging 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the five-game series against the Cavaliers, shooting over 55 percent from the field. While the previous year’s playoff run saw Golden State dominate with a 16-1 record, this season’s path to the Finals has been more turbulent, echoing the unpredictable energy of a classic BD Cricket Match.

One point of criticism that followed Durant came during the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets, where some questioned his reliance on isolation plays. But Durant answered his critics in the best way possible—by letting his game do the talking. He averaged 30.4 points during that series, remaining the team’s primary offensive weapon. His solo efforts didn’t just keep the Warriors alive; they complicated the MVP debate once again, showing that when the pressure mounts, he’s always ready to carry the weight—much like a star player stepping up in the final over of a BD Cricket Match.