Kevin Durant (Part 3)

In January of the 2013–14 NBA season, Durant put on a scoring spectacle, averaging an incredible 35.9 points per game over the course of the month. He showcased his scoring prowess by recording 30 or more points in 12 consecutive games, including a career-high 54-point outburst against the Golden State Warriors. Durant's scoring streak also saw him surpass Michael Jordan's record for consecutive games with 25 points or more, reaching an impressive 41 games.
As the regular season progressed, Durant continued to dominate, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to 59 wins. His exceptional performance throughout the season, where he averaged 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earned him the prestigious NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.


However, Durant faced challenges in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs against the physical Memphis Grizzlies. In Game 4, he struggled to find his rhythm, converting on only 24 percent of his field goal attempts. With the Thunder trailing the series 3–2, Durant faced criticism from The Oklahoman, which dubbed him "Mr. Unreliable." However, Durant responded emphatically in Game 6, scoring 36 points to lead the Thunder to a crucial victory.
Despite Durant's heroics, the Thunder faced a formidable opponent in the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Despite their best efforts, the Thunder fell to the Spurs in six games, ending their playoff run. Despite the disappointment of falling short of the NBA Finals, Durant's remarkable season and MVP performance solidified his status as one of the league's elite players.


The 2014–15 season proved to be a challenging one for Kevin Durant as he battled injuries. Prior to the start of the season, Durant was diagnosed with a Jones fracture in his right foot, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. He missed the first 17 games of the season but made his return to action on December 2 against the New Orleans Pelicans. However, his comeback was short-lived as he suffered an ankle injury on December 18 against the Golden State Warriors. Despite these setbacks, Durant displayed his scoring prowess by scoring a season-high 44 points on December 31 against the Phoenix Suns. However, his injury woes continued as he sprained his left big toe in late January.


On February 22, Durant underwent a minor procedure to alleviate pain and discomfort in his surgically repaired right foot. Despite the efforts to manage his injuries, Durant was officially ruled out for the rest of the season on March 27 after opting to undergo foot surgery. Despite playing in just 27 games, Durant still managed to average an impressive 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
The following season, Durant returned alongside his teammate Russell Westbrook to form a formidable duo for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They achieved several historical milestones together, including becoming the first pair of teammates to each score at least 40 points in a single game since 1996. Durant continued his stellar play throughout the season, averaging 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, leading the Thunder to 55 wins and the third seed in the Western Conference.


In the 2016 NBA playoffs, Durant faced some struggles, including a subpar shooting performance in Game 2 of the first round against the Dallas Mavericks. However, he bounced back with an impressive 41-point performance in Game 4 to help the Thunder advance past the Mavericks. They then faced the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, where Durant again showcased his scoring ability, leading the Thunder to a series victory in six games.
In the Conference Finals, the Thunder faced the record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors. Despite taking a commanding 3–1 series lead, the Thunder ultimately fell short, losing in seven games. Durant contributed 27 points in Game 7, but it wasn't enough to propel the Thunder to victory.


Kevin Durant's decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016 sparked controversy and criticism from fans and pundits alike. Durant announced his intention to sign with the Warriors on July 4 through The Players' Tribune, leaving behind the Oklahoma City Thunder to join a team that had defeated them in the playoffs and was coming off a record-setting 73-win season. Many viewed Durant's move as taking the easy route to a championship by joining a team already stacked with talent, including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Durant made his debut for the Warriors on October 25, 2016, against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 27 points in a loss. Throughout the season, he showcased his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor, recording impressive performances such as a 28-point, 10-rebound, and six-block game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.


In February, Durant faced his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, for the first time since joining the Warriors, scoring 34 points in a victory. However, his season was cut short in March due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise, causing him to miss the final 19 games of the season.
Despite Durant's absence, the Warriors finished the season with a league-best 67–15 record and entered the playoffs as the first seed. Durant returned from injury for the playoffs, helping the Warriors advance to their third consecutive NBA Finals with an unprecedented 12–0 start to the postseason.
In the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Durant was instrumental in leading the Warriors to victory. He showcased his scoring prowess and versatility, averaging 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field, three-point range, and the free-throw line. Durant's outstanding performance earned him the NBA Finals MVP award as the Warriors captured their second championship in three years.

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