Klay Thompson absolutely didn’t hold back when Kevin Durant started talking smack about their old Golden State Warriors dynasty. He fired off a simple, cutting question that just ignited a whole new social media war: “Aye man u good?” This isn’t just playful banter; it’s a deep dive into legacies, championships, and who gets to claim what from one of the most dominant runs in NBA history.
Kevin Durant Thinks This New Philly Team Is “Ain’t Close”
The whole thing kicked off when LeBron James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers last month, joining Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. At a USA Basketball event, Durant was asked about Philly’s championship hopes with James. His take? “Last time they put three 20-point scorers on a team, they said it was unfair – which was the team I was on.” He was talking about himself, Thompson, and Stephen Curry. Then he dropped the real bomb: “They (the Sixers) got four 25-point scorers on this team. So hell yeah I think they’re a contender.” Durant wasn’t done, hitting Instagram to declare, “Ain’t close lmao,” firmly putting these “on paper” Sixers ahead of those Warriors.
Durant’s Spreadsheet vs. Warriors’ Hardware
Durant laid out his argument for the Sixers: Joel, a recent MVP; Jaylen Brown, a recent Finals MVP; Tyrese Maxey, an All-Star the last three years; and LeBron, well, we all know what Bron does. For the Warriors, he downplayed Klay Thompson, calling him “never a MVP candidate in nothing, 22 ppg.” He also mentioned Draymond Green’s 14 ppg, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and acknowledged Steph was an MVP. His conclusion? “I don’t get how the Warriors team is better on paper.” But let’s not forget those Warriors rolled to NBA championships in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Their bid for a third straight was only derailed in the 2019 Finals by brutal injuries to Durant and Thompson.
The Warriors Fire Back: Legacy Over Paper Stats
Klay Thompson re-posted Durant’s comments with that legendary comeback, “Aye man u good?” He even tagged Durant and added, “What u using my full government for,” complete with an ID card emoji, making it clear he was coming for him. Draymond Green jumped in too, asking, “Slim thought he was on his burner?” with four laughing emojis. It’s easy to forget that before Durant even joined in 2016, Klay was already a two-time All-Star and all-NBA third-team selection, even finishing 10th in MVP voting in 2015. Steph Curry had already snagged back-to-back MVP awards, and Draymond was an All-Star and all-NBA choice. These Sixers on paper are stacked, with Embiid’s recent MVP, Brown’s 2024 Finals MVP, Maxey’s all-NBA nod last season, and LeBron’s unparalleled resume. But Durant himself said his vote was “on paper.” Philly hasn’t won a thing yet, unlike those Warriors.
This social media slugfest is pure gold. Durant’s “on paper” argument is loud, no doubt, but those Warriors won championships. Philly’s stacked, absolutely, but until they hoist a trophy, this firestorm just reminds everyone what that Warriors dynasty *actually* did. This debate ain’t over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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