The biggest news coming from the Thunder – Warriors matchup last night is that Thunder forward Kevin Durant suffered what appeared to be a gruesome ankle sprain. What many people are forgetting, or may have not even noticed is that, prior to injury, Kevin Durant was able to score 30 points in just 20 minutes. With very little coverage on the topic, is it possible the 2014 NBA MVP is somehow under appreciated?
Kevin Durant’s 30 points were best described as “stealthy.” It was methodical. Just bucket after bucket, but he never celebrated keeping his even keel, Tracy McGrady-like stone cold demeanor.
Magic Johnson hit my exact feelings on the head this morning:
I couldn’t believe my eyes last night watching Kevin Durant score 30pts in 20mins. Today I’m still shaking my head.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 19, 2014
It seems fans expect KD who is a 4-time NBA scoring champion, to provide exorbitant numbers at an unrealistic rate. In his nine games this season Kevin Durant is averaging over 22 points, shooting 53% from the field, all in just over 28 minutes per game. His 22 points, unlike other high scorers in the league, are efficient. KD only averages around 15 field goal attempts per game.
I’ll try to put into perspective how impressive that is.
Carmelo Anthony averages about 23 points, off close to 46% shooting from the field in 36 minutes per game. Melo scores his 23 points by taking over 19 shots per game.
Kobe Bryant averages over 25 points, making about 38% of those shots in over 35 minutes per game. Kobe puts up over 22 shots per game to reach his 25-point average.
Okay, well the argument here would be Melo and Kobe are notorious for chucking up shots.
Well, Sporting News’ favorite star LeBron James averages about 25 points, making about 49% of his shots in almost 38 minutes per game. LeBron also averages over 18 field goal attempts per game.
There’s no doubt about it, Kevin Durant can ball and he balls efficiently.
With KD’s previous accomplishments it’s easy to expect the amazing night after night.
The fans of Oklahoma City and fans of basketball everywhere shouldn’t take a player like Kevin Durant for granted. There are a few high-powered, athletic, point guards like Russell Westbrook. But there is, and there only will be one Kevin Durant.
