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2 Years After Expressing His Love For Vince Carter, Kevin Durant Named Michael Jordan’s 1998 Game Finals Game Winner As His Favorite NBA Memory

Advait Jajodia
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2 Years After Expressing His Love For Vince Carter, Kevin Durant Named Michael Jordan's 1998 Game Finals Game Winner As His Favorite NBA Memory

Ahead of the 2023-2024 campaign, Kevin Durant was asked a series of rapid-fire questions during the Phoenix Suns’ Media Day. Among the many questions, Bleacher Report asked Durant to reveal his favorite NBA memory. A huge fan of Michael Jordan, KD highlighted one of the most iconic plays in league history. More specifically, Durant named the Championship-winning shot that MJ knocked down during Game 6 of the 1998 Finals.

Back in 2021, during his stint as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant spoke about the importance of Vince Carter in his career. The Durantula admitted that Carter was a player that he grew up idolizing.

“The passion that stood out to me when I watched him after he dunked after he made a big shot, and how much he loved playing. That just made me go out there and be more free as a player when I was a kid… I think I took that from Vince. Obviously, his highlights and athleticism stood out but his passion for the game is something that I really appreciated.”

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However, despite Carter having some incredible plays in his exciting highlight reel, KD named an iconic Michael Jordan play as his favorite NBA memory.

Kevin Durant reveals his favorite NBA memory

Back in 1998, Michael Jordan left millions of basketball enthusiasts in awe after knocking down the Championship-winning shot in Game 6 of the 1998 Finals, his final championship. His Airness crossed Byron Russell up and made no mistake with the following midrange jumper.

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In an interview with Bleacher Report, Kevin Durant didn’t have to think twice before disclosing this as his favorite NBA memory.

Q: “Favourite NBA memory growing up?”

KD: “Jordan crossed by (Byron) Russell for his last game-winner.”

Kevin Durant has revealed his admiration for Vince Carter on numerous occasions. Despite his love for Air Canada, the Slim Reaper has gone on record to name Michael Jordan as his “favorite NBA player growing up“.

KD’s one of the GOATs of his generation

While Kevin Durant does shower the legends before him with some huge praises, we must not forget that he is one of the greatest offensive maestros the game has ever witnessed. One of the more influential personalities of the modern NBA, KD has an extremely stacked trophy cabinet.

Just like Durant grew up idolizing the legends who came before him, the youngsters in the league looked up to Kevin as a role model. Anthony Edwards is merely one of the many that still idolize the all time NBA great. In fact, as he once revealed, he chooses not Michael Jordan, or even LeBron James, but Kevin Durant as his GOAT.

Edwards is no stranger to making outlandish statements. However, the fact that he can make this one in favor of Durant with all the confidence in the world is a testament to KD’s influence on the younger generation.

About the author

Advait Jajodia

Advait Jajodia

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Advait Jajodia, a seasoned NBA journalist, has had a passion for the game for over a decade. His journey from admiring Kobe Bryant's precision to being in awe of Stephen Curry's long-range mastery instilled a profound understanding of basketball. With a background as a two-time National-level player, Advait uses his experience on the hardwood to offer insightful analysis. Over three years of dedicated sports journalism has equipped the 21-year-old with a unique perspective, reflected in his prolific portfolio of 3,700+ articles.

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