If there's a common motto for every NBA hooper, it'd be “Ball is life.” Playing basketball for a living probably equates to having the sport on one's mind 24/7. Just take a look at Kevin Durant, for example. The Phoenix Suns forward recently went viral when he was caught on camera practicing his shooting form in a club.
Now, he's finally clearing the air on the subject.
During a recent appearance on the Up & Adams Show, Durant claimed that he started putting up phantom shots due to a comment by his friend.
“I was lifting that whole week so my shoulder was a little tight,” Durant said. “…And then my boy was like ‘I'll lock you up, like you can't score on me.' When he told me that, I was just trying to show him what I would do once we get on the court.”
“..You couldn't see him in the video. He was like right across the section. I was like on the dance floor, and he was like screaming at me that he can guard me. So I had to show him what I was gonna do to him.”
The Slim Reaper continues to get buckets
Considering KD's wingspan and near-seven-foot frame, it's easy to see why he won't hesitate to take a jumpshot over anyone. Durant may be 35 years old, but his ability to put the ball in the basket continues to be a problem for opponents.
The forward averaged 27.1 points per game last season, tying Devin Booker to co-lead the Suns in that category. He shot 52.3% from the floor while converting 41.3% of his three-point attempts — a testament to his efficiency while sharing the ball with the likes of Booker and Bradley Beal.
A chance at redemption
Kevin Durant is set to enter another campaign with Phoenix, and he's probably hoping that things flow much smoother this time around. It was an up-and-down ride for the Suns, who visibly struggled despite the firepower in their roster. While they did show flashes of brilliance and cohesiveness, the team had trouble climbing up the Western Conference standings. A late-season push helped them avoid the play-ins, but their season eventually concluded in a first-round elimination.
On the bright side, an opportunity for redemption awaits. Durant, Booker and Beal will be running it back next season, and the Suns have re-signed key pieces such as Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neal. Mason Plumlee will be entering the picture to provide support in the paint while the acquisition of Monte Morris adds depth to the backcourt rotation. Plus there's rookie Ryan Dunn for that much-needed defensive presence on the perimeter.
With Mike Budenholzer taking control on the sidelines, this entire reset might just be what the Suns need to perform up to expectations.
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