Kevin Durant Makes Strong NBA Career Statement Without Hesitation
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant has had a historic career in the NBA. He has made 15 All-Star appearances, is a four-time scoring champion, a one-time MVP and a two-time champion. Additionally, he has been named the NBA Finals MVP twice and was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, which recognizes the top 75 players in NBA history.
Throughout his career, Durant has achieved numerous milestones, but one moment stands out to him. While some of the special nights were when he won the MVP award or when he secured one of his two NBA championships, he revealed on X that there is a particular moment he cherishes that is not often discussed.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Andre Roberson (21).© Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
It was of a moment when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was on May 15, 2014, when the Thunder took on the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals.
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In that game, Durant was exceptional. He shot 12-of-23 from the field, including five-of-eight from three-point range, scoring 39 points while also grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out five assists. The Thunder won the game 104-98, despite having been down by as many as 16 points in the first half.
This performance came just one game after the Thunder dramatically turned around Game 5 against the Clippers. In that game, OKC was trailing by seven points with only 49 seconds left. Durant hit a three-point shot to narrow the gap, and after the Thunder got a defensive stop, they made a layup to cut the lead to two points with 18 seconds remaining.
Clippers guard Chris Paul attempted to anticipate a foul and shoot a full-court shot for three free throws, but Russell Westbrook stole the ball. Westbrook was then fouled while attempting a three-pointer and made all three free throws. Reggie Jackson also stole the ball from Paul after that, helping the Thunder secure a 105-104 victory.
Although OKC ultimately lost in the conference finals in six games to the San Antonio Spurs, who went on to defeat the LeBron James-led Miami Heat in five games in the NBA Finals, that moment in Durant's career remains one of the most memorable.
Related: Kevin Durant Reveals What Makes LeBron James So 'Special'
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Boston Globe
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