LeBron James Discusses Kevin Durant's Impact on Warriors, Says He Stands Out

In the aftermath of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 113-91 Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, LeBron James was asked to pinpoint the one thing that stood out to him. 

His answer was simple, according to video captured by Sports Illustrated: the play of Kevin Durant. James said:

Durant blitzed the Cavaliers' defense with 38 points on 14-of-26 shooting to make a strong opening statement, and the defending champions didn't have an answer for his full-steam-ahead stylings early. 

"You cannot simulate what they bring to the table no matter how many days you have to prepare," James said, per Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. 

Thanks to repeated rim runs that were made possible by the Cavaliers' dedication to sticking with Stephen Curry in transition, Durant cruised to 23 first-half points as he slammed home dunk after dunk to shake Cleveland's resolve: 

According to ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes, Durant uncorked six rack attacks in the first half alone—which represented two more than he had compiled in any other postseason game in his career. 

Now looking ahead to Game 2 on Sunday night, James and the Cavaliers will need to devise a scheme that allows them to mitigate damage from three while still maintaining defensive integrity in the middle of the floor.