There were a lot of highlights from last night’s game. Pick any of Serge Ibaka’s blocks. Russell Westbrook’s steal and dunk to end the first half. For Nuggets’ fans, the goaltending no-call…
But the best play of the night was Kevin Durant’s baseline finger roll. Live, I had no idea what to think about it. It was just beautiful. Like a perfect painting. The way he was under the backboard and rolled the ball back around instead of going up-and-under — unreal.
My favorite thing about the play though is, watch how KD sprints back on defense. Instead of staying down, he popped up and hauled butt back down the floor to check Ty Lawson. Impressive KD. Most impressive.
@Daniel Plainview
Usain Bolt racing fifth graders!
I've been done reading all the articles. I just wait for the games. All these "opinions" are just getting me angry. I just want the Thunder to play to their full potential because I know they can beat anyone when they play their A game. I don't need sports ANALyst stating their statistics and spewing their garbage upon the masses. As long as their are other people thinking like me (The Thunder can beat anyone as long as they put their hearts into it) then none of that stuff matters to me.
I know!! I Loved when he jumped up and ran back. My uncle who doesnt even watch the NBA was like, "Who the fuck is that flying back!!!" Im like thats KD, i know Im prone to hyperbole when talking about KD, but he looked like Usain Bolt flying back on D
@innocent bystander
True statement... but the storyline should have been about KD's otherworldly performance on both ends of the floor.
And frankly, the Nuggs should thank their lucky stars that Russ gave them a chance at the end by going into Hero Mode.
I kept arguing this same point with Denver fans last night. They argue that Durant and RW going off is an aberration and proves that OKC is in trouble, but I can make the same point the other way around. OKC's usually reliable role players (save Thabo) played like dirt, Denver shoots 70% in the 1st, and they still lost. Next game, RW and KD won't have to go for 70 b/c Ibaka will score 8 pts, Harden 13, Collison or Nazr 5 pts, etc.
@andrew
Thanks for the heads up. I usually like to try to listen after Thunder games but won't waste my iPhone battery if there is no love given to a spectacular performance by KD. This seems to be becoming par for the course.
justin :@Dr
. Rumble
I think it’s noteworthy because usually what you said is what Durant does…
Oh, I agree. Maybe he was just thinking, "Its playoff time and I need to lay it all on the line." Or maybe he felt the tide was turing in our favor for the first time in the game and he knew we need a big rally. I dont know, for whatever reason he chose to hustle back this time, I am happy for it haha.
D-ROSE went 0-9 Russillo, 0-9, from 3. If RW did that, the game would be over, and we would be ready to tar and feather him. Shoot, we want to tar and feather him when he's 2-5 from 3 for taking the 3 he misses in the 4th in a close game. Pathetic
Russillo and the NBA Today podcast is becoming unlistenable. Fawns all over Rose for like ten minutes, then criticizes Westbrook and barely mentions KD. What a joke.
@TempBoy Brandon
sports writers like to have an angle for a game -- Karl gave them one
I think Durant can go from one end of the court to the other in like 5 strides
daddy longlegs
Man, this blaming the game on that one basket interference call is getting absurd. Man up, Nuggets. How about you make some free throws or make a field goal in the last 3 minutes? Not to mention the blown basket interference call the other way earlier in the game and other crappy calls both ways. That's basketball. Their argument is weak and I'm just perturbed that it's getting so much national attention.
@Dr. Rumble
I think it's noteworthy because usually what you said is what Durant does...
The most impressive part of the play is KD's hustle to get back and defend one of the quickest point guards in the league leading to a blocked shot, run out, and foul of none other than "you know who." I absolutely love the way he passes 2-3 Nuggets and Thunder like they were standing still. We are so fortunate to have him on our team. Go KD! Go Thunder!
Ray Allen’s jump shot is sweeter than high fructose corn syrup, and just as deadly.
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/27545/monday-bullets-209
Thats another great quote for the day
You nailed it Royce. Without a doubt, my favorite part is that he sprints back to guard Lawson. Most players would have fallen, jogged back and done that thing where they point up court to tell someone to guard his man. The fact this was in the second quarter and not the end of the game makes it that much more impressive. Good work KD.
One of the best sequences I've seen from any super star in a while. Did ESPN care? Nope. It's like it never even happened....
eh, I could do that in my sleep
This play reminded me of one of Dr. J's (i think?) dunks you always see. It was from the other side of the goal, but i am always thinking "is he really going to score?" then he somehow dunks the ball... not the same exactly, but that was the first thing that came to mind right after KD's play happened last night.