Kevin Durant: Warriors Aren't 'Superhuman,' Discusses Stephen Curry's Injury

The Golden State Warriors have faced some adversity due to injuries recently.

Kevin Durant acknowledged as much in a recent interview with Sam Amick of USA Today:

“It’s cool that people (looked) at us like we’re invincible, but we’re not, and you see it with the injuries that we have. We’re not superhuman. I think when we play basketball the right way, we’re damn good. But if we don’t come out there and focus, we can lose to anybody, and you’ve seen that.”

In the midst of an incredible four-year run, Golden State has appeared to be from another planet. It entered the season as prohibitive favorites after cruising to the championship in its first season with Durant, its second title in three seasons.

However, with a handful of injuries in recent weeks, repeating is no guarantee.

Durant (ribs), Stephen Curry (ankle, MCL), Klay Thompson (thumb) and Draymond Green (pelvic contusion) are among the Warriors who have missed time recently due to injury. Curry's MCL sprain appears to be the only one that could have ramifications in the playoffs, as he will not be re-evaluated for nearly another two weeks. Coach Steve Kerr is on the record of saying "there's no way" the guard plays in the first round.

With two-time NBA MVPs status for the playoffs uncertain, the 2017 NBA Finals MVP let it be known the Warriors are going to be ready to play regardless of who is on the court.

“If Steph comes back, obviously we’ll all be excited and we’ll be a better team," Durant said, per Amick. "But if he doesn’t, I can’t hang my head about that. I’ve got to go out there and play as hard as I can. Klay has to go out and play as hard as he can. Draymond, everybody down the line.

“Everybody has to be on point, because it’s a team game. We all move as one."

Golden State can use a next-man-up mentality as much as it wants, but there's no denying that the Warriors are a different team without Curry, as ESPN Stats & Info noted at the time of the injury:

Without Curry, pressure to step up will be on every single Warriors player but especially Durant. A former league MVP himself, he was heavily criticized for "taking the easy way out" as he chased his first ring. But with the face of the franchise sidelined, all eyes will be on Durant to lead his team to victory in the playoffs.

The Warriors are locked into the second seed but do not yet know their first-round opponent.