Kevin Durant reveals what makes basketball truly hard for top players
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant joined a trending basketball debate on X and shared what he believes is the most difficult skill to master in the game. Instead of picking flashy moves or fancy dribbles, Durant pointed to something much simpler, but harder to perfect.
His response sparked fresh discussions among fans and players alike, especially considering his elite skill level.
Kevin Durant says toughest NBA skill is scoring against great defense
On Monday, August 4, Kevin Durant, who now plays for the Houston Rockets, joined an online basketball debate on X. A fan shared a post stating that people often think being skilled in basketball only means scoring difficult shots. Durant decided to reply, offering a very honest answer that surprised many.
— kdtrey5 (@kdtrey5)
He wrote,
'The hardest skills to learn are getting your shot off against great defense.'
Durant's comment quickly went viral. Many fans and players started sharing their thoughts. The 36-year-old forward has built his career on hitting tough shots under pressure. From mid-range fadeaways to deep threes over defenders, Durant has done it all.
His shooting numbers back that up. According to Basketball Reference, since the 2011-12 NBA season, Durant has shot above 50% from the field every year.
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He's also held a strong 40% average from the three-point line for over a decade.
How Durant's words reflect his style and past praise
Durant's reply on X wasn't just a random thought. It reflects his training and playing experience over the years. This debate took place during a week of basketball talk online, and Durant joined in while preparing for the Houston Rockets' training camp, which begins in September 2025 in Texas.
Many fans recalled what Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr once said about Durant: 'I've said it before, I think he's the most skilled basketball player I've ever seen.'
But Durant disagrees. In a past interview, he said that his former Brooklyn Nets teammate Kyrie Irving is the most skilled NBA player ever. Both stars are often listed among the top when it comes to basketball talent.
Durant joined the Rockets in June 2025 after being traded by the Phoenix Suns. The Rockets gave up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and several draft picks to land him. With his arrival, Houston became one of the favorites to win the 2025-26 NBA title.
According to Fadeaway World, the Rockets added Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith to support Durant. In the 2024-25 season, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, with 52.7% field goal shooting.
Also Read:
New York Knicks closely tracking Giannis Antetokounmpo after Milwaukee Bucks' surprise Damian Lillard exit
His recent post reminds everyone that, even after 15 All-Star appearances and years in the league, Kevin Durant is still learning, observing, and teaching, one tough shot at a time.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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