The Brooklyn Nets are finally starting to start some footing in the NBA season. In their last ten games, the Nets have a 6-4 record and an overall record of 12-11 for the season. A big reason for their success this year has been none other than their superstar Kevin Durant.
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Kevin Durant is having a sensational year so far, being one of the seven players to average 30 or more points this season. The Durantula is averaging 30.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks so far.
The Nets are currently living and dying with KD. If the 6ft 10″ forward doesn’t show up on any given night, the Nets get cooked, and everyone knows it.
Apart from leading the Nets with his scoring, the Slim Reaper has also been shining bright on the defensive end.
Kevin Durant leads NBA, allows the lowest FG% on contested shots
So far, Kevin Durant is known for being one of the best scorers in NBA History. The Durantula has the size of a center, a guard’s skills, and a forward’s dominance. Not only can he dominate in the paint, he can also shoot triples with ease and is one of the best mid-range players.
However, the one underrated aspect of his game is his defense. Since KD joined the Warriors, he stepped up on the defensive end. He was arguably one of the best defenders on the team. Now, on the Nets, KD has been the driving factor behind their defensive efforts, yet doesn’t receive appreciation for the same.
So far this season, Kevin Durant is 7th on the total blocks list and 7th on the blocks per game. Apart from that, he’s leading the league, allowing opponents only 36.2% FG% on shots he’s contesting. Meanwhile, this year’s leading DPOY Candidate, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is allowing 38% in comparison.
Despite all of his efforts, there have been 0 All-NBA Defensive selections for the Durantula. He’s not even in consideration for the same this year.
Can KD finally get a nod for his defensive efforts?
So far in his career, Kevin Durant has received only two things for his defensive efforts. The 2017 & 2018 NBA Championships and the Finals MVPs. However, the other players that he’s compared to in terms of scoring, i.e., Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, had several All-NBA defensive selections.
To complete this missing part of his resume, KD would have to keep defending at the level that he has been. To continue to score and dominate as he has been and to keep up his defensive intensity won’t be an easy task. However, if someone can do it, it’s the Slim Reaper.
