In win over Kings, Kevin Durant shows Warriors why they need him

In recent weeks, as losses mounted and Stephen Curry sat with a groin injury, many questioned how much the Warriors needed Kevin Durant. Those critics seemed to forget that Durant is a world-class scorer with a 7-foot-5 wingspan whose fade-away jumpers can't be defended. In willing Golden State to a 117-116 win Saturday night over the Kings at Oracle Arena, Durant was at the peak of his powers, showing why he offers his team the ultimate bailout. Playing the rough end of a back-to-back set, the Warriors missed 24 three-point attempts, only for Durant to jolt them out of their stagnant stretches. In 40 minutes, Durant posted 44 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.