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George: Curry, Durant 'will definitely work' in Golden State

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The concept of pairing a four-time scoring champion in Kevin Durant with a back-to-back Most Valuable Player in Stephen Curry on a Golden State Warriors team that just won a league-record 73 games looks fantastic on paper.

Ultimately, though, there will need to be some major sacrifices on the part of both players, along with All-Stars Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, in order for such a loaded core to function properly on the hardwood.

Indiana Pacers star Paul George feels the combination of Durant and Curry will be able to manage their egos and figure out a means to be successful while keeping everyone around them happy.

"I think they both are going to have to be willing to give up something," George said of the two following practice with the U.S. men's national team, according to the Mercury News' Marcus Thompson. "But they are both unselfish players, so it will definitely work. You can't forget what Klay brings and what Draymond brings. With those four guys, you can't have an alpha. Everybody has to be willing to give up something for that team."

Durant shared the alpha role while with the Oklahoma City Thunder with Russell Westbrook for eight seasons, although one could say Westbrook embraced that spot more so than his now ex-teammate. With the Warriors, Durant won't be viewed as the top guy, as Golden State still belongs to The Chef until proven otherwise.

A former NBA MVP in his own right, Durant has already established himself as one of the greatest scorers ever, averaging 27.4 points on 48.3 percent shooting and 18.2 shot attempts since going second overall in 2007. Curry took 20.2 shots by himself in 2015-16 while putting up a league-best 30.1 points, and Thompson wasn't far off of Durant's 19.2 attempts with 17.3. Looking at those numbers, it's clear someone is going to have to take a step back on offense.

It's all about capturing the Larry O'Brien trophy when it's all said and done, and if George's perception of the Warriors is accurate, there's really no reason why Golden State shouldn't get back to the Finals and walk away with the title, which they were unable to do this past season against the Cleveland Cavaliers after squandering a 3-1 series lead.

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