As they say, game recognize game. To be more specific, in this particular instance, it's KD recognize Dame. Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant deferred to a quote by fellow NBA star Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers when asked about the pressure that he takes on at this heightened level of playoffs basketball.
That's a pretty awesome quote from Lillard right there, and Durant obviously agrees one hundred percent with his compatriot.
As both Durant and Lillard expressed, the level at which they play at — most especially during the playoffs — requires a certain commensurate level of mental fortitude. However, it does pale in comparison to the type of challenges “regular people” face on a day-to-day basis. Putting it in this particular context does make the game of basketball really nothing more than what it truly is — a game.
Nonetheless, Durant has indeed shown a lot of mental toughness in this year's edition of the playoffs thus far, with the reigning Finals MVP winner currently putting up ridiculous numbers of the Warriors. In eight postseason appearances thus far, the 30-year-old is currently averaging 34.3 points (on 52.7 percent shooting), 2.8 three-pointers, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
Durant is definitely one that chooses to shine when the lights are the brightest, and the Warriors will need him to be at his best if they wish to reach their ultimate goal of attaining the elusive three-peat by the end of this season.