KD is Killing Doubters
The 14-time all-star and two-time NBA Finals MVP is producing one of his most efficient scoring seasons to date.
On his fourth franchise, and in his third year with the Suns, Kevin Durant has proven his longevity time and time again. Durant is putting up a 66.0 true-shooting percentage this season, after a great 2023-24 campaign in which he put up a 62.6 true-shooting percentage.
Durant is averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while producing 1.4 blocks per game on the defensive end. While shooting the likes of 55.1 percent from the field, 42.0 percent from three-point land, and 81.3 percent from the charity stripe. In his age-36 season, KD is doing something unheard of as a scorer.
Too Much Sun — Not Enough Heat
On Wednesday, November 6th versus the Miami Heat, Kevin Durant was the best player on the court.
He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to help put away the Miami Heat and lead Phoenix to a 7-1 record — tied for the franchise’s best start since the 2009-10 season. He didn’t accomplish this on his own. Phoenix continuously put Tyler Herro in conflict – using ball screens with whoever Herro was matched up against at that time.
Watch KD on this play. He easily gets to his favored spot – the left elbow – after Phoenix forces Herro to switch onto him.
Miami decided to counter, bringing Highsmith to the ball even after Phoenix attempted the switch.
It didn’t matter, the Slim Reaper ended Miami’s night.
While fans and players close to Durant may call him the “MVP” after eight games, that might not be the priority for the future Hall of Famer. An MVP in year 17 isn’t the most realistic of goals for Durant himself. Yet winning a championship would mean a whole lot more to the fanbase in Phoenix.
It Hasn’t Been Perfect
Although KD is one of the most talented basketball players in the NBA, he continually struggles with turning the ball over while dribbling in isolation. Of all NBA players who attempt Durant’s average of 3.8 isolations per game, Durant ranks dead last with the highest turnover rate, at 20.0%.
Among players with under five assists per game and at least seven games played this season, Durant leads in turnovers. The fourteen-time NBA All-Star is giving away the ball at an alarming rate compared to his production to create for others.
Don’t Forget the Defense
Nevertheless, Kevin Durant continues to show elite defensive traits in important situations. Contesting multiple shots last night versus Miami, helping shut down one of their best scorers Jimmy Butler. Watch Durant completely shut down this shot attempt (and stay for Nurkic’s block on Bam).
All the while making clutch plays to minimize their best shooter Duncan Robinson.
Here KD recovers after a hard closeout, which isn’t as easy as he makes it look. All the while he still found a way to send the ball out of bounds.
Where Does This Leave Durant and the Suns?
Through 8 games, Kevin Durant has once again separated himself from the majority of the league.
Everyone knows he’s an incomparable scorer of the basketball from all three levels. But it’s Durant’s ability as a rangy defender that has been on notice this year, disrupting all areas of the floor.
Durant is currently favored at +700 to win the NBA’s “Clutch Player of the Year” award. He has reaped the benefits of late-game execution, including game-winning, game-tying, and game-clinching moments over such a short start to the season.
Expect the Suns to continue to feed Kevin Durant in big moments offensively. Phoenix hopes to continue building continuity in late-game situations through their best player, ultimately preparing themselves for any late-game chaotic moments come playoff time.
Leave a comment