Kevin Durant returned to the lineup for the Golden State Warriors a week ago against the New Orleans Pelicans. The former MVP threw in 16 points along with 10 assists and 10 rebounds during the 123-101 win.He looked fluid and even scored his first points back on the court on a ferocious reverse dunk after blowing by Pelicans center Alex Ajinca.Stephen Curry looked on with the same excitement as the fans watching his teammate make a huge impression in the opening minutes.During Durant’s 19-game absence, the reigning MVP could not be stopped. Curry averaged 26 points, seven assists and four rebounds on 47 percent shooting during that span and looked like himself for the first prolonged stretch of this season.After Monday’s 105-99 loss to the Utah Jazz, the Durantula made sure that reporters at the press conference knew just how good his point guard was playing as of late.He also took the opportunity to take a shot at the people who said that the two players didn’t compliment each other well.

KD said: “Well, he was 9-of-16, with six threes, and 28 points. I guess I don’t make him worse after all. He came out tonight and shot the ball extremely well, and got us going on the offensive end. Looks like we can play together.”

For two games, it looks like the sweet-shooting forward is spot on in his estimation. Fans probably would have wanted to see that production come together in a win, but after an extended winning streak that saw them win 14 games straight, dropping one game isn’t bad.

However, the Dubs will have to be ready to go by next week as the postseason looms in the distance. Their first round opponent will be the Portland Trail Blazers who seem to be up for the challenge of facing the number one seed in the conference again.

Golden State has Durant back now, and that changed their path through the playoffs considerably when compared to a week ago. Head coach Steve Kerr has also been getting rest for his starters where he can.

The team has a long playoffs ahead of them, and if they can get the same Curry that they got when their All-Star small forward was out, then they stand a very good chance of reaching the NBA Finals for the third straight year.