Only a few players accumulate more personal accolades in the league than Kevin Durant presently. He has established his undoubted court presence in the league for over 16 years. In just a few games into the 2023 -2024 season, he has broken the long-standing scoring record of Hakeem Olajuwon.
Kevin Durant recently put up an astonishing performance in a matchup against the Utah Jazz. His outstanding display, which has since taken over the headlines, came after a young Rockets star acknowledged Durant’s scoring prowess.
Durant’s clutch performance leads Suns to victory
The Phoenix Suns reaffirmed their presence in the league with a narrow victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday. Overcoming a shaky start to the season marred by injuries, the Suns secured a 3-game winning streak upon Devin Booker’s return.
However, it was Kevin Durant who played a pivotal role in turning the tide for the Valley team with his clutch performance. Durant led the team to a 140-137 triumph in a double-overtime thriller in Salt Lake City, making crucial 3-pointers at pivotal moments.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Kevin Durant, scoring 39 points in his 40-minute appearance. The two-time NBA Champion gained significant attention on social media for his ability to sink clutch 3-pointers even under tight defensive coverage. Alongside him, Devin Booker, the Suns’ prodigal son, showcased his class with 26 points and 8 assists.
On the Jazz side, Markkanen’s impressive 38-point contribution, coupled with 22 and 25 points from Jordan Clarkson and Talen Horton-Tucker, extended the game into the second overtime but failed to alter the outcome. Currently, the Suns appear to be in a comfortable position, thanks to the brilliance of Kevin Durant and Booker. Their upcoming matchup against the Trail Blazers, a seemingly weaker opponent, provides an opportunity to extend their winning streak.
Jabari Smith Jr. marvels at Kevin Durant
The Houston Rockets boast a roster filled with talented young players, and among the most promising is Jabari Smith Jr. Selected as the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Smith had a commendable rookie season, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team.
Following offseason workouts with Durant, Smith shared his insights into why he considers Durant’s remarkable consistency a key factor in his greatness. “Shooting the same shot every time. If you see him shoot, every shot is the same. If you see how precise all of his movements are, he’s like a robot. Everything looks the same. So, I tried to mimic that,” Jabari Smith Via Sportskeeda.
While Smith displayed significant potential in his debut season, there remained ample room for improvement. This made his collaboration with Kevin Durant over the summer particularly encouraging as he strives to evolve into the superstar envisioned by the Rockets.
Standing at 6’10 and weighing 220 pounds, Smith possesses a unique combination of size, strength, and speed for a big man, making him a scoring threat from various court positions. Strikingly similar in physical attributes to Durant (6’11, 240 pounds), there is optimism that the young Rocket can eventually adopt a playing style akin to the Phoenix Suns’ standout.
