Behind the piercing stare that scanned and locked on questioners like a radar … behind the N.W.A.-esque ensemble — the black White Sox cap and black hoodie — coordinating with his rebellious vibe … behind the short dismissive answers and the defiant explanations and the pointed rebukes … there was a plea, a heartfelt petition, a window into the psyche of a man.



Kevin Durant just wants to play.



It was obvious this was Durant’s bent on Wednesday. In the locker room before the game, he had a determined look. No smiles. No small talk. Just all the stoicism he could muster.



He was announced first during introductions. He walked out slowly, sans the energy and hype these moments are designed to produce. Then he started to bounce. He had a high-five for Draymond Green, then DeMarcus Cousins, then Klay Thompson. Stephen Curry followed closely behind Thompson before his name was even called, so the teams’ huddle...