Kevin Durant: 'I definitely feel older after some games, after some stretches'
Speaking to Malika Andrews of ESPN, Kevin Durant talked about his legacy, time in the Phoenix Suns, and the future. “I definitely want everything to just end right now, but I still feel I got energy to play,” Durant said half-jokingly when he was asked if he would be comfortable if his career ended right now. “I definitely feel older after some games, after some stretches. Being around for so long, you gain so much experience about the game. You see some of the other greats in other sports [like] Tom Brady, Cal Ripken, and Derek Jeter…” Durant gave examples from other sports popular in the US.
Source: BasketNews
Source: BasketNews
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Chet Holmgren joins Kevin Durant as the only Thunder players to ever record these numbers in a game:
29 PTS
8 REB
7 AST
3 BLK pic.twitter.com/3hvZyaFS7J – 9:37 PM
Chet Holmgren joins Kevin Durant as the only Thunder players to ever record these numbers in a game:
29 PTS
8 REB
7 AST
3 BLK pic.twitter.com/3hvZyaFS7J – 9:37 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Thunder PR:
Chet Holmgren recorded 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks tonight against the Rockets. He joins Kevin Durant as the only other Thunder player to register those numbers. – 9:34 PM
Thunder PR:
Chet Holmgren recorded 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks tonight against the Rockets. He joins Kevin Durant as the only other Thunder player to register those numbers. – 9:34 PM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Thunder PR:
Chet Holmgren recorded 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks tonight against the Rockets. He joins Kevin Durant as the only other Thunder player to register those numbers. – 9:34 PM
Thunder PR:
Chet Holmgren recorded 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks tonight against the Rockets. He joins Kevin Durant as the only other Thunder player to register those numbers. – 9:34 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“When you look at the top teams in the league, they all have size.”
Kevin Durant in talking about playing alongside 7-footers Jusuf Nurkic and Bol Bol. #Suns pic.twitter.com/lvlRQGZKug – 8:36 PM
“When you look at the top teams in the league, they all have size.”
Kevin Durant in talking about playing alongside 7-footers Jusuf Nurkic and Bol Bol. #Suns pic.twitter.com/lvlRQGZKug – 8:36 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He’s been more than I expected. His intangibles, his work ethic, his IQ, all the stuff that I didn’t really think about when it comes to Bol, that’s the foundation of his game.”
Kevin Durant on Bol Bol, who followed 25 and 14 at Houston with 11 points in #Suns win vs. #Lakers. pic.twitter.com/xoFZvfmZDD – 8:32 PM
“He’s been more than I expected. His intangibles, his work ethic, his IQ, all the stuff that I didn’t really think about when it comes to Bol, that’s the foundation of his game.”
Kevin Durant on Bol Bol, who followed 25 and 14 at Houston with 11 points in #Suns win vs. #Lakers. pic.twitter.com/xoFZvfmZDD – 8:32 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Guys came through and knocked down shots and I think the Dallas game, Houston game, we didn’t do a good job of exploiting that in getting other guys shots, specifically myself.”
Kevin Durant as #Suns had 32 assists on 44 FGs in win over #Lakers. Devin Booker team-high 9 dimes. pic.twitter.com/DCTxR9vhSt – 8:27 PM
“Guys came through and knocked down shots and I think the Dallas game, Houston game, we didn’t do a good job of exploiting that in getting other guys shots, specifically myself.”
Kevin Durant as #Suns had 32 assists on 44 FGs in win over #Lakers. Devin Booker team-high 9 dimes. pic.twitter.com/DCTxR9vhSt – 8:27 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We got to make teams pay for selling out trying to stop me and Book.”
Kevin Durant on #Suns win vs. #Lakers. Had 6 players in double figures.
“I heard AD screaming to his teammates, ‘you got to help me, you got to help me’ cause he trying to track me and Book wherever we go.” pic.twitter.com/XwqfAbXSGd – 8:22 PM
“We got to make teams pay for selling out trying to stop me and Book.”
Kevin Durant on #Suns win vs. #Lakers. Had 6 players in double figures.
“I heard AD screaming to his teammates, ‘you got to help me, you got to help me’ cause he trying to track me and Book wherever we go.” pic.twitter.com/XwqfAbXSGd – 8:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant was pleased with the way the Suns stepped up with LA focused on stopping him and Book, saying he missed some makable shots.
Then alluded to Charles Barkley’s recent comments with a smirk: “That’s the reason you got a team. The *leadership* was incredible tonight.” pic.twitter.com/gzdeVVA4NP – 7:02 PM
Kevin Durant was pleased with the way the Suns stepped up with LA focused on stopping him and Book, saying he missed some makable shots.
Then alluded to Charles Barkley’s recent comments with a smirk: “That’s the reason you got a team. The *leadership* was incredible tonight.” pic.twitter.com/gzdeVVA4NP – 7:02 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Suns starters scoring today:
24 — Allen
22 — KD
21 — Book
20 — O’Neale
18 — Nurkic
1st time since 2009 the Suns had each starter score at least 18 points. pic.twitter.com/Gp6RDViKUM – 6:07 PM
Suns starters scoring today:
24 — Allen
22 — KD
21 — Book
20 — O’Neale
18 — Nurkic
1st time since 2009 the Suns had each starter score at least 18 points. pic.twitter.com/Gp6RDViKUM – 6:07 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Booker and Durant were predictably doubled and tripled all game, and Phoenix’s role players like Nurkic, Allen, O’Neale and even Bol Bol stepped up to make the Lakers pay. That’s not the only story of the game, but it’s a big one. AK – 6:04 PM
Booker and Durant were predictably doubled and tripled all game, and Phoenix’s role players like Nurkic, Allen, O’Neale and even Bol Bol stepped up to make the Lakers pay. That’s not the only story of the game, but it’s a big one. AK – 6:04 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Phoenix offensive rebounds
And now they’re hunting Reaves — got KD some FTs – 5:54 PM
Phoenix offensive rebounds
And now they’re hunting Reaves — got KD some FTs – 5:54 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Now THAT’S a defensive possession from the Suns. Grayson Allen holding his own on AD long enough for Devin Booker to double, great rotations from Bol and KD with active hands and length – 5:46 PM
Now THAT’S a defensive possession from the Suns. Grayson Allen holding his own on AD long enough for Devin Booker to double, great rotations from Bol and KD with active hands and length – 5:46 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
Suns 95, Lakers 90 heading into the 4th Q. LeBron 20p 10a; D-Lo 20p 4a; AD 14p 9r. For PHX: Booker 19p 9a; Nurk 14p 16r; KD 16p on 5-of-15 shooting 5a. – 5:29 PM
Suns 95, Lakers 90 heading into the 4th Q. LeBron 20p 10a; D-Lo 20p 4a; AD 14p 9r. For PHX: Booker 19p 9a; Nurk 14p 16r; KD 16p on 5-of-15 shooting 5a. – 5:29 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 95, LAL 90
Booker: 19 Pts, 9 Ast, 7-14 FG
Nurkic: 14 Pts, 16 Reb, 5 Ast, 7-11 FG
Durant: 16 Pts, 5 Ast, 5-15 FG
Allen: 16 Pts, 4-8 3P
James: 20 Pts, 10 Ast, 5 Reb, 9-12 FG – 5:28 PM
End of 3Q: PHX 95, LAL 90
Booker: 19 Pts, 9 Ast, 7-14 FG
Nurkic: 14 Pts, 16 Reb, 5 Ast, 7-11 FG
Durant: 16 Pts, 5 Ast, 5-15 FG
Allen: 16 Pts, 4-8 3P
James: 20 Pts, 10 Ast, 5 Reb, 9-12 FG – 5:28 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Critical stretch here for #Suns.
Durant on bench. Booker with Bol, Allen, Eubanks and Saben Lee.
Davis starting to eat. Has 14 points after only 4 at half.
#Lakers shrunk lead to 2 before Allen answers with 3. 95-90 Phoenix with 48.8 left in 3rd quarter. – 5:26 PM
Critical stretch here for #Suns.
Durant on bench. Booker with Bol, Allen, Eubanks and Saben Lee.
Davis starting to eat. Has 14 points after only 4 at half.
#Lakers shrunk lead to 2 before Allen answers with 3. 95-90 Phoenix with 48.8 left in 3rd quarter. – 5:26 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
tough game for Kevin Durant and the 4th quarter hasn’t even hit yet – 5:20 PM
tough game for Kevin Durant and the 4th quarter hasn’t even hit yet – 5:20 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Last couple possessions for KD have looked like when the 2k physics engine starts glitching – 5:20 PM
Last couple possessions for KD have looked like when the 2k physics engine starts glitching – 5:20 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant shows frustration after slip and fall as James scores again with turnover turned into dunk.
Threw ball ahead as Booker went to work, scored.
Very engaging game here as expected and should be. #Lakers timeout. #Suns up 88-81 with 4:20 left in 3rd quarter. #LakeShow – 5:19 PM
Durant shows frustration after slip and fall as James scores again with turnover turned into dunk.
Threw ball ahead as Booker went to work, scored.
Very engaging game here as expected and should be. #Lakers timeout. #Suns up 88-81 with 4:20 left in 3rd quarter. #LakeShow – 5:19 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant to Nurkic inside. James 3 answer.
James, steal dunk. #Suns lead down to five. – 5:15 PM
Durant to Nurkic inside. James 3 answer.
James, steal dunk. #Suns lead down to five. – 5:15 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
On this play when Durant sets screen for Booker, then flares, gets pass from Booker, Durant swung it to Allen, who penetrated and looked to make a pass to Nurkic in traffic.
Don’t know who is supposed to get the shot out of this, but Allen hook pass to Durant for 3 option. #Suns – 5:10 PM
On this play when Durant sets screen for Booker, then flares, gets pass from Booker, Durant swung it to Allen, who penetrated and looked to make a pass to Nurkic in traffic.
Don’t know who is supposed to get the shot out of this, but Allen hook pass to Durant for 3 option. #Suns – 5:10 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
The Lakers are challenging that last foul call on LeBron James against Kevin Durant. James is emphatically claiming he wasn’t holding Durant. – 5:00 PM
The Lakers are challenging that last foul call on LeBron James against Kevin Durant. James is emphatically claiming he wasn’t holding Durant. – 5:00 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker making effort to get into the paint. 15 points.
Durant comes out and hits two quick 3s. #Suns up 80-68. #Lakers challenge on James foul. 9:51 left in 3rd. – 5:00 PM
Booker making effort to get into the paint. 15 points.
Durant comes out and hits two quick 3s. #Suns up 80-68. #Lakers challenge on James foul. 9:51 left in 3rd. – 5:00 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Lmao someone please find a closeup on KD’s face while LeBron James was arguing that foul call – 5:00 PM
Lmao someone please find a closeup on KD’s face while LeBron James was arguing that foul call – 5:00 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers got a 3 from Reaves to open the half, cutting the margin to 6, but then allowed an 8-0 run with Durant hitting a pair of 3’s. Deficit back to 14. – 4:59 PM
The Lakers got a 3 from Reaves to open the half, cutting the margin to 6, but then allowed an 8-0 run with Durant hitting a pair of 3’s. Deficit back to 14. – 4:59 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns should probably be up by more than 9, but the good news is KD (2-8 FG) hasn’t got going yet – 4:41 PM
Suns should probably be up by more than 9, but the good news is KD (2-8 FG) hasn’t got going yet – 4:41 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
When thinking about the rotation here in 2nd quarter, Booker is checking back in now.
Had Booker, Allen, O’Neale, Durant, Nurkic at midway point of 2nd quarter, but brings in Bol and Lee for Durant and Allen.
You figure that’d be Beal or Gordon instead of Lee. #Suns #Lakers – 4:31 PM
When thinking about the rotation here in 2nd quarter, Booker is checking back in now.
Had Booker, Allen, O’Neale, Durant, Nurkic at midway point of 2nd quarter, but brings in Bol and Lee for Durant and Allen.
You figure that’d be Beal or Gordon instead of Lee. #Suns #Lakers – 4:31 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
A lineup of Okogie/Allen/Bol/Durant/Nurkic is just inviting a defense to sellout on KD. Hilarious dearth of playmaking and shot creation
Phoenix always gets a lead on Lakers and finds a way to give it back – 4:18 PM
A lineup of Okogie/Allen/Bol/Durant/Nurkic is just inviting a defense to sellout on KD. Hilarious dearth of playmaking and shot creation
Phoenix always gets a lead on Lakers and finds a way to give it back – 4:18 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 45, LAL 28
Booker: 11 Pts, 5 Ast, 3-7 FG
Nurkic: 8 Pts, 7 Reb, 4-6 FG
Bol: 7 Pts, 1 Blk, 3-3 FG
Durant: 6 Pts, 2 Ast, 2-4 FG
James: 7 Pts, 3-4 FG
Grayson Allen hits a 3 right before the 1Q buzzer – 4:10 PM
End of 1Q: PHX 45, LAL 28
Booker: 11 Pts, 5 Ast, 3-7 FG
Nurkic: 8 Pts, 7 Reb, 4-6 FG
Bol: 7 Pts, 1 Blk, 3-3 FG
Durant: 6 Pts, 2 Ast, 2-4 FG
James: 7 Pts, 3-4 FG
Grayson Allen hits a 3 right before the 1Q buzzer – 4:10 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bol Bol corner 3.
Durant turnaround over Reaves.
Nurkic does the “too short” sign.
Suns 30-18. Timeout #Lakers with 4:06 left in 1st quarter.
Suns having fun. Lakers clearly aren’t. – 3:59 PM
Bol Bol corner 3.
Durant turnaround over Reaves.
Nurkic does the “too short” sign.
Suns 30-18. Timeout #Lakers with 4:06 left in 1st quarter.
Suns having fun. Lakers clearly aren’t. – 3:59 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bol Bol knocks down a corner 3 with no hesitation, KD attacks a mismatch against Austin Reaves, and the Suns are up 30-18. Building is buzzing.
Also, Nurk seems pretty valuable for this team! – 3:59 PM
Bol Bol knocks down a corner 3 with no hesitation, KD attacks a mismatch against Austin Reaves, and the Suns are up 30-18. Building is buzzing.
Also, Nurk seems pretty valuable for this team! – 3:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (hamstring) pregame. #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/Wdz8e6nAvW – 2:36 PM
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (hamstring) pregame. #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/Wdz8e6nAvW – 2:36 PM
More on this storyline
Aged 35 but still firing on all cylinders, Durant’s longevity has been admirable. Andrews questioned the player on this issue, asking him if he envisions himself playing well into his 40s, to which Durant responded humorously. “I mean, yeah, I can catch and shoot a little bit, play a little defense, be a three-and-D, a six-man maybe when I’m in my 40s,” Durant stated half-jokingly. “We’ll see.” -via BasketNews / February 26, 2024
Gerald Bourguet: Final: PHX 123, LAL 113 Grayson Allen: 24 Pts, 8-17 FG, 6-12 3P, Devin Booker: 21 Pts, 9 Ast, 8-18 FG, Kevin Durant: 22 Pts, 7 Ast, 5 Reb, 7-20 FG, Jusuf Nurkic: 18 Pts, 22 Reb, 7 Ast, 7-12 FG, Royce O’Neale: 20 Pts, 10 Reb, 6-10 3P, LeBron James: 28 Pts, 12 Ast, 7 Reb, 12-19 FG -via Twitter @GeraldBourguet / February 25, 2024
Kevin Durant on the possibility of ending his career with the Phoenix Suns: “Right now I would say yes, but that’s just a figure of speech, I can’t know what’s going to happen. I love playing in Phoenix, I love our fans, I love the city…. I realized what our mission is by being in the Valley and I realized how much these people care about their team. I started to understand the history of the Phoenix Suns and I am happy to be a part of it. One day, I would like to receive the franchise’s Ring of Honor”. -via Sportando / February 24, 2024