Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is a player that shines the most in the hardest of situations, and he showed just that in Game 7 of their playoffs series with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Durant made history during Saturday's game, becoming only the fifth player in NBA history to have at least four 30-point outings in a Game 7 of the postseason. He joined the likes of LeBron James, Elgin Baylor, Larry Bird and Jerry West in the exclusive club, per ESPN Stats & Info.
Kevin Durant is the 5th player in NBA history to record at least four 30-point games in Game 7, joining LeBron James (6), Elgin Baylor (5), Larry Bird (4) and Jerry West (4). pic.twitter.com/ftI89xSja1
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 20, 2021
Aside from that, the Nets superstar also tied Baylor for the most career 40-point playoff games with 14.
Most career 40-point playoff games
1. Michael Jordan: 38
2. LeBron James: 28
3. Jerry West: 20
t-4. Elgin Baylor: 14
t-4: Kevin Durant: 14— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 20, 2021
Kevin Durant entered Game 7 averaging 33.3 points per game in the series against the Bucks. With that said, scoring 30-plus points is probably an easy and expected feat from the veteran forward and two-time NBA champion.
Article Continues BelowHowever, scoring more than 40 in a do-or-die clash with his starting point guard (Kyrie Irving) out and other star running mate (James Harden) hobbled by injury is certainly the stuff of legends. KD finished with 48 points, including the game-tying shot with one second left to send the contest to overtime. It officially made him the record holder for the most points in a Game 7 in NBA postseason history.
If that is not a big-stage player, we don't know what is.
Kevin Durant's 48 points are now the most in a Game 7 in playoff history pic.twitter.com/tPnrrtUn1i
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 20, 2021
Unfortunately for Durant, the Nets fell short in the extended period and lost 115-111. Still, props to KD for showing why he is largely considered the best scorer in the NBA today.