USA Today via Reuters
Fand witnessed another of Durant’s powerful recent efforts, in which he provided the offensive impetus in an effort to win the Phoenix Suns’ battle with the Sacramento Kings. While things may not have gone according to plan in their 120-105 defeat of the Suns, there was a silver lining. Durant not only became the highest scorer for the Suns in the game but also stole headlines with an unexpected exchange with his ex-coach Mike Brown.
During the locker room interview, Durant dropped a bombshell about his interaction with Brown, who currently coaches the Sacramento Kings. In a moment that could be described as a mix of tension and candidness, Durant revealed, “I asked Mike Brown during the game. He was trying to give me a compliment, and I was like, get the fuck out of here. Stop all that doubling and tripling.”
The exchange concerned Brown’s efforts to praise Durant, and especially to indicate how hard he was trying this evening in the face of defensive strategies meant for him and Devin Booker. Durant stressed, “It’s only going to make us better.” The past between Durant and Brown, who used to play together with the Warriors, adds an intriguing layer to the on-court drama.
In a league in which post-game interviews thread the needle between diplomacy and open expression, Durant’s uncensored reaction to being complimented gives us a glimpse of the complications that go beyond the court. Though they lost to the Suns on the scoreboard, thanks to Durant’s verbal fireworks with his ex-coach, no one could say that ‘the drama didn’t get extended long past the final buzzer.
Durant’s renaissance: A 35-Year-Old MVP contender
Kevin Durant’s 16th season has bucked the trend among aging athletes. As good as a fine wine, the 35-year-old has polished his skills to MVP standards and become the Suns’ offensive cornerstone. With average performances of 30.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in his 24 appearances, it’s fair to say that Durant is the best-rounded player among the Suns’ dreaded big three.
After his Achilles injury in 2020, Durant’s journey back to top shape has been done by determination. This year, he has had the healthiest start we have ever seen. He plays 36.6 minutes per game with perpetual intensity.
His strategic switch to paint attacks instead of settling for jumpers has not only increased offensive efficiency but also cemented his superiority. Now, the course Durant is on will have him mentioned in the top five of MVP candidates. In this Sun’s quest for championship splendor, he has become a key man.
