Kevin Durant’s Near-Miss Shot: The 2019 NBA Finals Moment That Almost Changed Everything
May 10, 2024
Five years ago tonight, Kevin Durant’s missed game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors became one of the most debated moments in NBA history. With 59.2 seconds remaining, Durant’s three-pointer—his 12th of the game—bricked off the glass, sending the series into overtime and ultimately handing Kawhi Leonard’s Raptors their first championship. Had it fallen, the Golden State Warriors would have won their third title in five years, cementing Durant’s legacy as the franchise’s savior and altering the league’s competitive landscape.
What Happened in That Final Moment?
The shot came in the waning seconds of a 114–110 Warriors lead. Durant, who had just scored 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting, rose from the top of the key for the three. The ball hit the rim, bounced off the glass, and rolled out—just as the buzzer sounded. The crowd at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto erupted, and the Raptors’ championship celebration began.
But the moment wasn’t just about the miss. It was the culmination of a series where Durant’s arrival in Golden State had already rewritten the Warriors’ story. After years of dominance, the team had lost in the 2016 Finals to Cleveland, and Durant’s signing in 2016 had rejuvenated their dynasty ambitions. By 2019, the Warriors were 73–9, but the Raptors—led by Leonard and Kyle Lowry—had defied expectations to reach their first Finals.
Why This Shot Still Matters in 2024
Had Durant’s shot fallen, the Warriors would have won 117–114 and the championship. The implications would have been seismic:
- A third title in five years for the Warriors, matching the Boston Celtics’ record for most championships in a span.
- Durant’s legacy would have been cemented as the player who completed the Warriors’ dynasty, not just a superstar who left for Brooklyn.
- The Raptors’ championship might never have happened, altering the trajectory of the NBA’s first Canadian team.
Instead, the Warriors lost in overtime, 118–114, and Durant—who had just signed a four-year, $164 million contract extension—would later leave for Brooklyn after the 2021 season.
How the Shot Fits Into Durant’s Career and the Warriors’ Dynasty
Durant’s near-miss was the latest chapter in a career defined by clutch performances—and occasional heartbreak. In 2014, he famously left Oklahoma City for the Warriors, a move that reshaped the league. By 2019, he was the face of a team that had won three titles in four years.
Yet the Raptors’ run was built on defense and grit. Leonard’s ability to shut down Durant in the Finals was a masterclass in preparation. “Kawhi was the best two-way player in the league that year,” said the NBA’s official recap. “He made Durant look mortal.”
Had Durant made the shot, the Warriors would have entered the offseason as champions, likely with Durant’s contract extension already in place. Instead, they faced a rebuild, and Durant’s departure for Brooklyn in 2021 marked the end of an era.
What If Durant Had Made the Shot?
A hypothetical title for the Warriors would have changed the NBA’s competitive balance. The Raptors, without a championship, might have struggled to maintain their core. Leonard’s free agency in 2020 would have been even more pivotal—he could have demanded a max contract elsewhere, or the Raptors might have traded him to chase another ring.
For the Warriors, a third title in five years would have solidified their place in history alongside the Celtics and Lakers. Instead, they entered a rebuilding phase, and Durant’s move to Brooklyn became a defining moment in modern NBA history.
Durant’s Career After the Miss: From Warriors to Brooklyn and Beyond
Durant’s departure for Brooklyn in 2021 was a turning point. He signed a four-year, $195 million deal with the Nets, joining Kyrie Irving in a star-studded lineup. While the Nets have yet to win a title, Durant’s individual success—including a 2022 Finals appearance—has kept him in the conversation for Hall of Fame consideration.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have struggled without Durant, missing the playoffs in 2023 before returning this season. Their rebuild remains a work in progress, with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson leading the way.
How Fans Remember the Moment
The shot remains a topic of debate among NBA fans. Some argue Durant should have taken a jump shot instead of the pull-up three. Others credit the Warriors’ defense for forcing the miss. On social media, the moment is often revisited during playoff discussions.
Five years ago today, KD’s game-winner missed. The moment that changed everything. 🏀🔥 #NBA #Warriors #Raptors
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2024
For many, it’s a reminder of how close the Warriors came—and how easily championships can slip away.
Key Takeaways
- Durant’s shot was the defining moment of a Finals that could have changed NBA history.
- The Raptors’ defense was the key to their championship, shutting down Durant in the clutch.
- Had Durant made the shot, the Warriors would have won their third title in five years, altering the league’s competitive landscape.
- Durant’s departure for Brooklyn marked the end of an era for the Warriors and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
- The moment remains debated among fans, with many questioning Durant’s shot selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could Durant have taken a different shot?
Yes. Many analysts argue he should have taken a jump shot instead of the pull-up three, given the defensive pressure from Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol. However, Durant’s decision was a matter of instinct and game flow.
What would have happened if the Warriors had won?
A Warriors championship would have solidified their dynasty status, likely keeping Durant in Golden State longer. The Raptors might not have won their title, and Kawhi Leonard’s free agency in 2020 could have played out differently.
How has Durant’s career changed since the miss?
Durant’s move to Brooklyn in 2021 marked a new chapter. While he hasn’t won another title, he remains one of the NBA’s best players and a key figure in the Nets’ push for a championship.
