Kevin Durant was thrilled by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Following a humiliating loss to Oklahoma City on Friday, Kevin Durant opened up about the modern-day Thunder. Clearly pleased by their enthusiasm and talent, Kevin stated that what they are doing now is akin to what he was doing many years ago.
“They have excellent talent here. Duane Rankin quoted Durant as saying, “Guys who love to play ball.” “They’re not too concerned about extracurricular activities outside of the game. I believe that is what we had as a group while we were here. They have a coach who understands them and the game.
Kevin Durant has had an up-and-down season with the Suns, who have struggled to stay above play-in territory due to numerous injuries and streaky play from the supporting cast. However, this was not always the case for the former MVP.
Back in Oklahoma City, things were different. Durant came to popularity with the Thunder after being drafted second overall in 2007. He has seen the team grow from the ground up. Despite being new to Oklahoma City, Durant’s Thunder teams were consistently among the top four in the West, with long playoff runs year after year.
Durant did eventually leave the Thunder, but not on the best terms. Durant only altered strategy after failing to beat the Warriors in 2018. Nonetheless, he often reflects favorably on his time with the Thunder, and he likes what he sees with their present leadership.
While still young and inexperienced, the Thunder are undoubtedly a team to fear in the West right now, and Durant will most likely have to overcome them if he wants to go deep into the playoffs this season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder Are Creating A Western Dynasty.
Kevin Durant is not alone in his feelings about the Thunder this season. Almost every club in the league dreads seeing them in a seven-game series, with good reason.
Despite their youth, the Thunder are still a deadly opponent, as they have demonstrated this season with solid performance from beginning to end. The Thunder are second in the West with a 51-22 record and have a chance to win 60 games for the first time since Durant’s departure.
The catalyst behind this performance has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is loudly proving himself to be one of the best guards in basketball. He started the All-Star game over Steph Curry this year and it was well-earned with averages of 30.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game on 54% shooting.
The addition of Chet Homgren to the lineup has opened up the floor in new ways for Shai and it’s made the offense twice as potent for the Thunder, who rank third overall with an offensive rating of 120.0.
Put these young stats on a stacked team with plenty of depth and a brilliant head coach, and you’ve got a recipient for success in the NBA.
And while Kevin Durant is longer a part of the success there, he will always be a part of their journey and he will never forget the place where it all started for him.
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