Throughout his career, Kevin Durant has consistently confronted formidable opponents. Earlier this year, he became the 10th player in NBA history to surpass the 28,000 career points milestone. Whether he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Phoenix Suns, KD has faced some of the best in the sport.
In a recent conversation with ESPN, Durant shared his mindset when going up against basketball icons like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. He emphasized that competing at this level is about survival, and there’s no room for friendships once the game begins, as the stakes are extremely high.
“It’s a dog-eat-dog world in the NBA. Don’t want nobody to take anything that you got. You have to build up that dislike. Not in a bad way but when you’re on the floor, you can’t be friends. You can’t be cool with these guys. You can’t admire them,” Durant articulated.
“Out on the floor, you can’t be friends.” 😤
Kevin Durant on how he approaches playing against LeBron James, Steph Curry and other NBA stars 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3zgwUbHLOF
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 24, 2024
Having battled elite players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic over the years, Durant is well aware of what it means to compete against greatness. As a 14-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, he has faced numerous obstacles and understands the importance of staying competitive.
Leading the Phoenix Suns, Durant is currently putting up impressive numbers, averaging 27.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Nonetheless, with the Suns’ record at 14-14, the team clearly has challenges to overcome. Durant’s fierce determination and competitive spirit continue to inspire hope for the future.
Also Read: Former NBA Champion Claims Bronny James Can Easily Defeat Caitlin Clark In A 1v1 Matchup
Kevin Durant Faces Struggle In His NBA Championship Quest
As the Suns prepare for critical games, including their Christmas Day matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Durant’s role will be significant. His mentality of treating opponents as rivals rather than friends will certainly be in effect during the game.
Yet, Durant’s pursuit of an NBA championship with the Suns faces significant hurdles, primarily in the realm of defense. While he is undoubtedly a scoring powerhouse, capable from nearly any spot on the floor, the team’s defensive struggles cannot be overlooked.
Quick throwback to Otto Porter Jr. absolutely COOKING the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day🔥
pic.twitter.com/50y0WH31LU— TheWarriorsHouse (@GSWarriorsHouse) December 24, 2024
The Suns currently find themselves ranked 24th in defensive rating, which is concerning. Injuries to key players such as Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have compounded the team’s difficulties in finding synergy. These shortcomings were starkly highlighted during the 2023 playoffs when they were eliminated by the Nuggets.
What raises alarm bells is the potential for history to repeat itself. The Suns share similarities with the 2020-2021 Brooklyn Nets in terms of star power and structure. Presently, they are placed 11th in the tightly competitive Western Conference, necessitating adjustments if they hope to ascend the standings.
Image Source: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock
