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Peak KD vs. Peak Steph” — The Numbers Don’t Lie

Blunt Insights is the no-nonsense newsletter delivering sharp, data-driven takes on sports, business, and growth. This week? A seismic debate.

Author

Samuel Rogers
October 14, 2025

Who was better at their peak: Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry?
We’re not here for vibes. We’re here for the math.

🧠 The Verdict: Peak KD > Peak Steph

Forget hot takes. Let’s go to the analytics. The data tilts one way: Kevin Durant at his peak was the more complete, dominant, and unguardable force.

🔥 1. Scoring Arsenal: More Tools, More Buckets

KD at Peak (2013–14 to 2018–19):

  • 30.3 PPG | 63.3% True Shooting | 50/39/88 splits

  • ISO, post, transition, pick-and-roll, midrange, spot-up—all elite

  • 1.12 points per ISO possession (Synergy)

Steph at Peak (2014–15 to 2018–19):

  • 27.1 PPG | 65.2% True Shooting | 49/43/91 splits

  • Off-ball movement, pull-up threes, transition god

  • 0.97 points per ISO possession

The Edge: Curry’s gravity warps defenses. KD bypasses them. He scores over any matchup, anywhere on the floor. That’s versatility + inevitability.

📊 2. Shot Zone Dominance: KD Wins at More Spots

Zone

KD (FG%)

Steph (FG%)

At Rim

72%

66%

Midrange

52%

45%

3PT (above break)

40%

41%

3PT (corner)

46%

48%

Curry is the GOAT shooter. KD is the GOAT scorer.
More zones, more reliability, more adaptability = KD's win.

🛡️ 3. Defense: KD Brings Two-Way Value

Defensive Advanced Metrics (Playoff Averages, Peak Era):

Stat

KD

Steph

DBPM (Def Box +/-)

+1.6

+0.3

Defensive Switches

1–4

1

Rim Deterrence

Top 30%

Bottom 15%

KD’s 7'5" wingspan, rim presence, and switchability turned him into the Warriors’ best defender during their title runs. Steph? Smart team defender—but still a mismatch target.

🧱 4. Playoff Pressure: KD = Clutch, Consistent, Cold

  • Playoff Games with 30+ Points:

    • KD: 59

    • Steph: 40

  • Finals TS% (2017–18):

    • KD: 65.5%

    • Steph: 60.8%

  • 2017 Finals Game 3 (Dagger):

    • KD: 31-8-4, shot 57%, guarded LeBron

    • Steph: 26-13-6, but 4-11 in 4th quarter

When the game slows down and matchups matter? KD is more matchup-proof and clutch-proven.

🧬 5. Matchup Proofing: KD > Chaos

Steph’s playoff struggles against blitzes and switching schemes (Cavs 2016, Raptors 2019) proved one thing:

If you can contain rhythm, you can contain Curry.

KD? You can’t guard rhythmless isolation. His shot is unblockable, unbothered, and unchanged no matter the defender.

Efficiency vs. Switch Defense (2016–19):

  • KD: 119.3 Off Rating

  • Steph: 111.2 Off Rating

🧾 Data Summary:

Metric

KD

Steph

ISO Efficiency

1.12 PPP

0.97 PPP

Playoff 30+ Point Games

59

40

Midrange FG%

52%

45%

Defensive Box +/- (Peak)

+1.6

+0.3

Finals TS% (2017–18)

65.5%

60.8%

Matchup-Proof Efficiency

✅

⚠️

📣 Bottom Line:

Steph revolutionized basketball. KD dominated it.

The analytics show a deeper truth:

  • KD is more efficient across more zones.

  • KD is more dangerous against all coverages.

  • KD delivers more under playoff pressure.

  • KD defends better, switches more, and closes harder.

Peak KD wasn’t just better. He was inevitable.

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