If you’ve been watching the NBA Finals, you’ve definitely noticed Kevin Durant.
It’s hard not to.
Contrary to his NBA bio, he is a 7-footer who’s capable of gliding through the air, leading fast breaks, pulling up from 35-feet away to nail three-point bombs, while also throwing down the occasional slam.
The former MVP has used his otherworldly skill set to his advantage. Not only do the Golden State Warriors now hold a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Durant has managed to outperform LeBron James, who’s been labeled his kryptonite throughout the majority of his career.
Durant has been so great throughout the first two games of the 2017 Finals, it’s even forced an NBA legend in Paul Pierce to question who truly is the best player in the world:
It’s been a long time since James’ reign as the best player in the world has been questioned. But now, on the NBA’s brightest stage, Durant has a chance to change that.
In his first two games of the series, Durant has been the leading scorer in both matchups, scoring 38 in Game 1 then a cool 33 in Game 2. He’s also shooting 56.3 per cent from the field, 50 per cent from three-point distance, and 90.9 per cent from the charity stripe.
Durant’s offensive prowess has been maintained while also leading the Warriors with 11 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. His defence has been a major factor in helping Golden State create offence, especially in Game 2 when he recorded a game-high five blocks.
James is averaging two more rebounds, and 11 assists compared to Durant’s seven, but perhaps for the first time, the former OKC superstar has stepped out of the King’s shadow by averaging seven extra points in the Finals.
It’s something he’s been aspiring to do his entire career:
“I’ve been second my whole life,” Durant told Sports Illustrated in 2013. “I was the second-best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I’ve been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the Finals. I’m tired of being second. I’m not going to settle for that. I’m done with it.”
A four-time scoring champion, the 2013 MVP, and an eight time all-star, Durant deserves to be in the conversation for the world’s best player. The debate was at its peak when Durant won the league’s most valuable player award, but cooled down after a stretch derailed by injuries.
But with Durant now playing the best basketball of his career as he continues his quest for his first title, he’s reopened the opportunity to be considered the best in the world, while taking down the player who currently holds that title— his career rival.
While naysayers might point to the fact that Durant is playing on a better team, it’s hard to deny that he’s taken the Warriors to another level, while firmly taking on the role as their primary option on offence.
The Cavaliers are the defending champs and added a pair of former all-stars this season in Kyle Korver and Deron Williams, but their impact is nothing compared to Durant’s, who’s been a nightmare for James to guard throughout this current Finals.
Besides his jump shot, it would be hard to deny that James has the more complete game. But scorers, from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant, have always been put in a brighter light, and held on a higher pedestal.
Durant has been put on that pedestal, especially after Game 2, when he became the third player to score at least 25 points in each of his first seven NBA Finals games, joining Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. What should be noted is that all of Durant’s games have come against James.
While Durant has reopened the conversation, he’s still two wins away from making it a plausible discussion for most.
The Warriors’ first couple of wins might have looked easy, but the Cavaliers also faced a 0-2 hole last year and managed to fight their way to victory behind James’ heroics, leading to a third Finals MVP award while reassuring everyone he’s the best in the world.
Now, Durant has a chance to prove he’s the difference as he tries to put the nail in a coffin that signifies more than just a series, but also his place in the NBA’s current hierarchy.
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