Kevin Durant on GOAT debate: 'Why shouldn't I be in that...What haven't I done?'
Guess who’s never really been in it, even though Jordan, the one who is widely viewed as the greatest of all time, said he was on his way before the major awards and championships? Durant. Why? “Because I went to the Warriors,” Durant said in an exclusive interview with The Republic last week. “Why shouldn’t I be in that? That’s the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?”
Source: Arizona Republic
Source: Arizona Republic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant first time ever scoring 40 without taking a free throw.
First time in franchise history that has happened. #Suns – 10:37 PM
Kevin Durant first time ever scoring 40 without taking a free throw.
First time in franchise history that has happened. #Suns – 10:37 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Suns’ Big 3 — KD (40), Booker, (26) and Beal (25) combined for 91 of 117 points in 117-110 win.
Hield scored 18, Siakam and Smith with 15.
Pacers went 2-4 on six-game, 12-day road trip.
Next: 4 in a row at home beginning Tues. v Nuggets. – 10:31 PM
Suns’ Big 3 — KD (40), Booker, (26) and Beal (25) combined for 91 of 117 points in 117-110 win.
Hield scored 18, Siakam and Smith with 15.
Pacers went 2-4 on six-game, 12-day road trip.
Next: 4 in a row at home beginning Tues. v Nuggets. – 10:31 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
KD tonight:
40 PTS
9 REB
4 3PM
18-25 FG
10th career game with 40+ PTS on 70+ FG%, 10th-most in NBA history. statmuse.com/nba/player/kev… – 10:29 PM
KD tonight:
40 PTS
9 REB
4 3PM
18-25 FG
10th career game with 40+ PTS on 70+ FG%, 10th-most in NBA history. statmuse.com/nba/player/kev… – 10:29 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 117, IND 110
Durant: 40 Pts, 9 Reb, 18-25 FG
Booker: 26 Pts, 8 Ast, 6 Reb, 9-24 FG
Beal: 25 Pts, 11-16 FG
Hield: 18 Pts, 5-8 3P
Suns have won 5 straight games and 10 of their last 13 – 10:29 PM
Final: PHX 117, IND 110
Durant: 40 Pts, 9 Reb, 18-25 FG
Booker: 26 Pts, 8 Ast, 6 Reb, 9-24 FG
Beal: 25 Pts, 11-16 FG
Hield: 18 Pts, 5-8 3P
Suns have won 5 straight games and 10 of their last 13 – 10:29 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
The natives were restless, as they should’ve been.
#Pacers took the lead on a 3.
Timeout Suns.
Then Durant answered with a 3 to put #Suns up one.
Then Booker drew a foul and took a hit to the face from Nesmith. Play under review for flagrant.
Ruled common foul. 2:37 left pic.twitter.com/JL6CIHMm8O – 10:16 PM
The natives were restless, as they should’ve been.
#Pacers took the lead on a 3.
Timeout Suns.
Then Durant answered with a 3 to put #Suns up one.
Then Booker drew a foul and took a hit to the face from Nesmith. Play under review for flagrant.
Ruled common foul. 2:37 left pic.twitter.com/JL6CIHMm8O – 10:16 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Booker and Durant just missing shots and then Beal fails to score at the rim. Pacers hit a 3 to take the lead. Timeout Suns. – 10:11 PM
Booker and Durant just missing shots and then Beal fails to score at the rim. Pacers hit a 3 to take the lead. Timeout Suns. – 10:11 PM
Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
Can’t let Kevin Durant get to his spot 🤷
He’s got 37 PTS on 17-23 FG.
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/nvEQnY1WF2 – 10:06 PM
Can’t let Kevin Durant get to his spot 🤷
He’s got 37 PTS on 17-23 FG.
(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/nvEQnY1WF2 – 10:06 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant picks up 4th foul, offensive, as Nesmith got up under him and Durant moved him out the way.
#Pacers haven’t doubled for the most part. #Suns – 10:06 PM
Durant picks up 4th foul, offensive, as Nesmith got up under him and Durant moved him out the way.
#Pacers haven’t doubled for the most part. #Suns – 10:06 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
That was some KD at the 5 lineups without Turner on the floor. Turner still on the bench but Nurkic is now in. – 10:04 PM
That was some KD at the 5 lineups without Turner on the floor. Turner still on the bench but Nurkic is now in. – 10:04 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Totally understand trying to get the ball to Durant.
Has 37. 5-of-5 from field in 4th, but this is when Beal should be a go, hey, that’s not there, let me go get one.
That’s not a his turn, your turn. It’s this isn’t there, let’s go elsewhere on this trip. #Suns timeout. Up 4. – 10:04 PM
Totally understand trying to get the ball to Durant.
Has 37. 5-of-5 from field in 4th, but this is when Beal should be a go, hey, that’s not there, let me go get one.
That’s not a his turn, your turn. It’s this isn’t there, let’s go elsewhere on this trip. #Suns timeout. Up 4. – 10:04 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant continues to cook, sized up Jalen Smith, got to this spot, pull up.
Has 35 points. 4-of-4 from the field in the 4th for 8 points. #Suns up 101-94 with 8:11 left in game. #Pacers – 9:59 PM
Durant continues to cook, sized up Jalen Smith, got to this spot, pull up.
Has 35 points. 4-of-4 from the field in the 4th for 8 points. #Suns up 101-94 with 8:11 left in game. #Pacers – 9:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant, Beal carrying offense to start 4th with Booker on bench.
#Suns lead down to three early in quarter. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/jmb6mbfY1v – 9:56 PM
Durant, Beal carrying offense to start 4th with Booker on bench.
#Suns lead down to three early in quarter. #Pacers pic.twitter.com/jmb6mbfY1v – 9:56 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Really interesting all-bench lineup for the Pacers. Both rookies and Walker at the 3, alongside Toppin and Smith, who is at the 5 but had been starting at the 4.
After 3, Suns leading 91-83 led by KD (27) and Booker (23). – 9:50 PM
Really interesting all-bench lineup for the Pacers. Both rookies and Walker at the 3, alongside Toppin and Smith, who is at the 5 but had been starting at the 4.
After 3, Suns leading 91-83 led by KD (27) and Booker (23). – 9:50 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Really interesting all-bench lineup for the Pacers. Both rookies and Walker at the 3, alongside Toppin and Smith, who is at the 5 but had been starting at the 4.
After 3, Suns leading 91-83 led by KD (27) and Booker (27). – 9:50 PM
Really interesting all-bench lineup for the Pacers. Both rookies and Walker at the 3, alongside Toppin and Smith, who is at the 5 but had been starting at the 4.
After 3, Suns leading 91-83 led by KD (27) and Booker (27). – 9:50 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 91, IND 83
Durant: 27 Pts, 6 Reb, 12-18 FG
Booker: 23 Pts, 7 Ast, 5 Reb, 9-20 FG
Beal: 17 Pts, 7-10 FG
J. Smith: 15 Pts, 5-5 FG – 9:49 PM
End of 3Q: PHX 91, IND 83
Durant: 27 Pts, 6 Reb, 12-18 FG
Booker: 23 Pts, 7 Ast, 5 Reb, 9-20 FG
Beal: 17 Pts, 7-10 FG
J. Smith: 15 Pts, 5-5 FG – 9:49 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant 3 as Booker looked like he might try to lob it to Eubanks, who was rolling to the rim, but Durant was open to his left.
Durant now with 27. #Suns up eight. – 9:38 PM
Durant 3 as Booker looked like he might try to lob it to Eubanks, who was rolling to the rim, but Durant was open to his left.
Durant now with 27. #Suns up eight. – 9:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant and Siakam had a conversation after Siakam was called for his fourth foul.
James Johnson was in between them near #Pacers bench.
Durant said something and Johnson just playfully shoved him away. Durant headed to #Suns bench smiling. Phoenix 78-71 with 6:55 left in 3rd. – 9:35 PM
Durant and Siakam had a conversation after Siakam was called for his fourth foul.
James Johnson was in between them near #Pacers bench.
Durant said something and Johnson just playfully shoved him away. Durant headed to #Suns bench smiling. Phoenix 78-71 with 6:55 left in 3rd. – 9:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
McConnell by Booker.
Durant answer.
Booker transition dunk off Durant feed.
#Suns up five. – 9:27 PM
McConnell by Booker.
Durant answer.
Booker transition dunk off Durant feed.
#Suns up five. – 9:27 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 65 #Pacers 61 Half.
PHX: Kevin Durant 20 points (14 in 2nd quarter), Devin Booker 17 (12 in 1st quarter), Bradley Beal 15. Team: 18 fast break points.
IND: Jalen Smith 13 points off bench, Buddy Hield and Pascal Siakam 9 each. Team: Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) OUT. pic.twitter.com/YVRLl8vwFQ – 9:16 PM
#Suns 65 #Pacers 61 Half.
PHX: Kevin Durant 20 points (14 in 2nd quarter), Devin Booker 17 (12 in 1st quarter), Bradley Beal 15. Team: 18 fast break points.
IND: Jalen Smith 13 points off bench, Buddy Hield and Pascal Siakam 9 each. Team: Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) OUT. pic.twitter.com/YVRLl8vwFQ – 9:16 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 65, IND 61
Durant: 20 Pts, 9-12 FG
Booker: 17 Pts, 4 Ast, 7-12 FG
Beal: 15 Pts, 6-8 FG
J. Smith: 13 Pts, 4-4 FG
Suns went to their Death Lineup to close, but the Pacers hit a bunch of 3s and closed the 2Q on a 12-7 run – 9:09 PM
Halftime: PHX 65, IND 61
Durant: 20 Pts, 9-12 FG
Booker: 17 Pts, 4 Ast, 7-12 FG
Beal: 15 Pts, 6-8 FG
J. Smith: 13 Pts, 4-4 FG
Suns went to their Death Lineup to close, but the Pacers hit a bunch of 3s and closed the 2Q on a 12-7 run – 9:09 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant had words with I believe Jarace Walker, who he ran with all the way to the other end of the court by their bench.
#Suns up 51-46. Timeout #Pacers. Durant has scored 11 of his 17 points in the 2nd quarter. – 8:58 PM
Durant had words with I believe Jarace Walker, who he ran with all the way to the other end of the court by their bench.
#Suns up 51-46. Timeout #Pacers. Durant has scored 11 of his 17 points in the 2nd quarter. – 8:58 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Both teams getting whatever they want attacking the rim right now. Kevin Durant’s up to 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting – 8:56 PM
Both teams getting whatever they want attacking the rim right now. Kevin Durant’s up to 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting – 8:56 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 33, IND 25
Booker: 12 Pts, 3 Ast, 5-8 FG
Durant: 6 Pts, 3-4 FG
Nurkic: 2 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Ast
J. Smith: 8 Pts, 2-2 3P – 8:38 PM
End of 1Q: PHX 33, IND 25
Booker: 12 Pts, 3 Ast, 5-8 FG
Durant: 6 Pts, 3-4 FG
Nurkic: 2 Pts, 6 Reb, 2 Ast
J. Smith: 8 Pts, 2-2 3P – 8:38 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jalen Smith corner 3. #Suns up 24-14 as Durant scores in transition. #Pacers – 8:29 PM
Jalen Smith corner 3. #Suns up 24-14 as Durant scores in transition. #Pacers – 8:29 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
What a pass from Jusuf Nurkic. Got the board, ran the break himself, and threaded the needle to KD on a back cut for the layup – 8:26 PM
What a pass from Jusuf Nurkic. Got the board, ran the break himself, and threaded the needle to KD on a back cut for the layup – 8:26 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Allen got up slow after that goal-tending on Turner as he landed pretty hard.
Moving around pretty good now, but was limping a little bit as he ran back down the court.
Coming out, Gordon in. Durant picked up 2nd foul, stays in game.
#Suns up 11-6 as Booker to the rim. – 8:16 PM
Allen got up slow after that goal-tending on Turner as he landed pretty hard.
Moving around pretty good now, but was limping a little bit as he ran back down the court.
Coming out, Gordon in. Durant picked up 2nd foul, stays in game.
#Suns up 11-6 as Booker to the rim. – 8:16 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker guarding Siakam on that possession as he fouled Siakam.
Now Durant on Siakam as Vogel said pregame that would be the matchup. #Suns #Pacers – 8:13 PM
Booker guarding Siakam on that possession as he fouled Siakam.
Now Durant on Siakam as Vogel said pregame that would be the matchup. #Suns #Pacers – 8:13 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Off ball screen for Booker 3, missed.
Tied 2-2 as Durant answers Turner. #Suns #Pacers – 8:11 PM
Off ball screen for Booker 3, missed.
Tied 2-2 as Durant answers Turner. #Suns #Pacers – 8:11 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Pacers starters: McConnell, Hield, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner
Vogel confirmed pregame Durant would take the Siakam assignment. – 7:36 PM
Pacers starters: McConnell, Hield, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner
Vogel confirmed pregame Durant would take the Siakam assignment. – 7:36 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal pregame #Suns pic.twitter.com/G5B7dK8LJk – 7:05 PM
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal pregame #Suns pic.twitter.com/G5B7dK8LJk – 7:05 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Because I went to the Warriors. Why shouldn’t I be in that? That’s the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?”
Kevin Durant when asked by @azcentral why he isn’t mentioned in the GOAT conversation.
A look into the question he asked #Suns tinyurl.com/mvcy5h2x pic.twitter.com/CfELlAS9Nm – 4:45 PM
“Because I went to the Warriors. Why shouldn’t I be in that? That’s the question you should ask. Why not? What haven’t I done?”
Kevin Durant when asked by @azcentral why he isn’t mentioned in the GOAT conversation.
A look into the question he asked #Suns tinyurl.com/mvcy5h2x pic.twitter.com/CfELlAS9Nm – 4:45 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Opinion: Will #NBA title with Phoenix Suns put Kevin Durant in GOAT conversation? (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 12:00 PM
Opinion: Will #NBA title with Phoenix Suns put Kevin Durant in GOAT conversation? (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 12:00 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
From Saturday:
Kevin Durant: A deep dive into gifted, complex and ‘down to earth’ Phoenix Suns superstar (w/video) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/jz9tEqzMiM – 11:39 AM
From Saturday:
Kevin Durant: A deep dive into gifted, complex and ‘down to earth’ Phoenix Suns superstar (w/video) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/jz9tEqzMiM – 11:39 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Jan. 21 RPR MVP:
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 18.36
2. Joel Embiid: 17.52
3. Nikola Jokić: 16.87
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 16.56
5. Luka Dončić: 15.83
6. Anthony Davis: 14.84
7. Tyrese Haliburton: 13.73
8. Jayson Tatum: 13.35
9. Kawhi Leonard: 12.91
10. Kevin Durant: 12.45 pic.twitter.com/gsQVFI3sg3 – 9:59 AM
Jan. 21 RPR MVP:
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 18.36
2. Joel Embiid: 17.52
3. Nikola Jokić: 16.87
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 16.56
5. Luka Dončić: 15.83
6. Anthony Davis: 14.84
7. Tyrese Haliburton: 13.73
8. Jayson Tatum: 13.35
9. Kawhi Leonard: 12.91
10. Kevin Durant: 12.45 pic.twitter.com/gsQVFI3sg3 – 9:59 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“He doesn’t think of himself higher, above anybody else. He could be an asshole. He could be, ‘I’m Year 17 in, got 2 rings, MVP.’ He could be like that if he wanted to, but he’s not. That separates him from a lot of guys.”
Exclusive on Kevin Durant. #Suns
tinyurl.com/mryjrdwm pic.twitter.com/3Xl5m2M6vu – 11:00 PM
“He doesn’t think of himself higher, above anybody else. He could be an asshole. He could be, ‘I’m Year 17 in, got 2 rings, MVP.’ He could be like that if he wanted to, but he’s not. That separates him from a lot of guys.”
Exclusive on Kevin Durant. #Suns
tinyurl.com/mryjrdwm pic.twitter.com/3Xl5m2M6vu – 11:00 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant: A deep dive into gifted, complex and ‘down to earth’ Phoenix Suns superstar (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 6:19 PM
Kevin Durant: A deep dive into gifted, complex and ‘down to earth’ Phoenix Suns superstar (w/videos) #Suns azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 6:19 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Back in Phoenix.
#Suns off today. Play #Pacers tomorrow at Footprint Center.
Won last four games.
Have analysis from Friday’s win at #Pelicans and inside look at Kevin Durant after sitting down with him 1-on-1 earlier this week.
Part 1/Part 2 deal.
Opinion piece Sunday. pic.twitter.com/vYwwnOjPKe – 6:00 PM
Back in Phoenix.
#Suns off today. Play #Pacers tomorrow at Footprint Center.
Won last four games.
Have analysis from Friday’s win at #Pelicans and inside look at Kevin Durant after sitting down with him 1-on-1 earlier this week.
Part 1/Part 2 deal.
Opinion piece Sunday. pic.twitter.com/vYwwnOjPKe – 6:00 PM
More on this storyline
Kevin Durant: I need to see defensive 3 seconds and 4 quarters in men’s college basketball…asap -via Twitter @KDTrey5 / January 20, 2024
Jorge Sierra: Kevin Durant passed Hassan Whiteside in blocks and Dominique Wilkins in rebounds last night. Just so you know. -via Twitter @hoopshype / January 20, 2024
Gerald Bourguet: Final: PHX 123, NOP 109. Devin Booker: 52 Pts, 5 Ast, 18-30 FG, 6-11 3P, Kevin Durant: 26-5-2-2-2, 11-19 FG, Bradley Beal: 13 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast. Zion Williamson: 24 Pts, 11-17 FG Suns have won 4 straight games and 9 of their last 12 -via Twitter @GeraldBourguet / January 19, 2024