SUMMARY
- Kevin Durant appeared for 75 games for the first time in five years.
- The Phoenix Suns forward claims avoiding floppers helped him stay heathy this season.
Kevin Durant hasn’t seen much playoff success since leaving the Golden State Warriors in 2019. It marked the end of one of the greatest eras in the history of the NBA. However, before KD left the Bay Area, injuries caught up to him and he was dealt with an unfortunate Achilles injury. It took him over a year to return to the floor as he was sidelined through the 2019-20 season. And his journey with the Brooklyn Nets wasn’t all that perfect either.
Kevin Durant this season:
27.1 PPG | 5.0 APG | 6.6 RPG | 1.2 BPG
52.3FG% | 41.3 3PT% | 85.6 FT%
75 GAMES PLAYED ‼️🙏🏽 (most since 2019)
Rate his season on a scale from 1-10 🤔 pic.twitter.com/uG0ADkrt8B
— 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ (@Stunna999_) April 14, 2024
Durant made the playoffs twice but only went as far as the second round during the 2020-21 season. And the team made around him eventually crumbled as dealt with minor injuries, Kyrie Irving dipped his feet in controversies and James Harden simply didn’t feel like they were serious about winning a title. KD ultimately requested a trade and joined the Phoenix Suns midway through the 2022-23 season.
Kevin Durant successfully played 75 games for the first time since 2019
Before joining the Suns, Kevin Durant injured his MCL which kept him out for nearly two months. He also missed the 2023 NBA All-Star Game because of it. However, ever since joining the Suns, Durant has been vigilant about various situations on the floor and has been injury-free for the most part. He appeared for 75 games this season which is the most since the 2018-19 campaign with the Warriors.
Kevin Durant played in 75 games this season in Year 17.
Incredible. pic.twitter.com/Zdr0El3uIC
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 15, 2024
In an interview with AZ Central, he said, “No players flopped into my legs this year,” Durant said. “Last two years, I had my teammate flop into me and an opponent flop into me two straight years that caused me to get MCL injuries. If it wasn’t for that, I probably would’ve been out there the same amount of games, but I’m glad nobody flopped into me. Had a couple of nagging injuries, but it was day-to-day type of stuff. I’m grateful for that.”
Durant also claimed that staying away from floppers has been the most important thing to help maintain his physical health. He added, “Just stay away from the crash dummies, you know. The dudes who try to sell calls and don’t mind hurting people by diving on the floor trying to sell a call. I know who those guys are, and I try to stay away from them.” Last season, Jimmy Butler was responsible for an MCL injury. Fans have speculated that these comments were a possible dig at Butler as well.
Kevin Durant remains grateful regarding his time with the Suns
Kevin Durant has been extremely consistent averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game this season. While he was with the Nets, Durant played under 40 games in two seasons while notching 55 appearances in one season. He acknowledged the healthy season he had by saying, “I feel solid. Solid as it’s going to feel at Game 75. I’m grateful I got the opportunity to keep playing throughout the season and not have too many bad injuries.”
The Suns were able to secure a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 14, which was their last game of the season. It was an important win for the team since he helped them secure the sixth seed in the Western Conference and clinch a playoff spot as well. Phoenix will be facing the Timberwolves again during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.