NEW ORLEANS — Kevin Durant said he joined the Warriors because he felt the brotherhood. A crew of players willing to put their über talents in the pot for the greater good of the team. So they could win championships. So they could elongate their greatness. So they could make history.



It is a noble concept. It’s especially attractive for players in their late 20s and early 30s, who’ve reached the limits of what their individual talents can accomplish. Who crave winning at levels they saw their idols reach. Without a doubt, it is working.



But sometimes, even for the Warriors, the collective needs to get set aside for the individual. Sometimes, it just makes sense for one to shine, for Strength in Numbers to morph into a traditional NBA team, commandeered by a lone star.



Sunday was that time. Durant was that star.



He knew it. His teammates knew it. Steve Kerr knew it. And if they didn’t already, the Pelicans knew it...