Winning has a way of making everything better, especially for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. Currently competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics with Team USA, Durant had a standout performance in a recent victory over Serbia, despite dealing with a lingering calf injury. Durant led all scorers with 23 points on 8-9 shooting and added two rebounds in just 17 minutes off the bench.
This impressive showing has sparked a buzz on social media, with many fans and commentators taking notice. Despite the online chatter, Durant is clearly enjoying himself on the court — a feeling that has been missing for some time.
“Durant was absolutely miserable, abjectly miserable, when he was out and not playing,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst remarked on Durant’s Olympic performance during a recent episode of The Hoop Collective.
Co-host Tim Bontemps chimed in, “There are few people who love anything as much as Kevin Durant loves playing basketball. When he’s not playing, he gets very grumpy.”
Windhorst continued, “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Kevin happier than he was on Sunday night. And I’m including the nights when he won championships. When he won those titles with the Warriors, they won 4-0 and 4-1. They knew they were winning. He had become comfortable with the idea that he was about to be a champion, but it didn’t surprise him.”
For some, it might be surprising to hear that Durant wasn’t particularly surprised by his two championships and two Finals MVPs with the Golden State Warriors. However, for Warriors fans, it was clear that the team was dominant when Durant was part of the lineup. With Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all in their prime, no team could seriously challenge them.
The Cleveland Cavaliers managed to win a game in the 2017 NBA Finals, but the Warriors kept them at a safe distance, demonstrating how routine winning had become. However, in the process, Durant seemed to lose some of his passion for the game.
Durant’s joy on the court during the Olympics is a stark contrast to his demeanor in recent years. His happiness playing basketball for Team USA highlights how much he missed the game when he was sidelined by injuries. The excitement and enthusiasm he displayed against Serbia suggest that Durant has found a new source of motivation and joy in representing his country.
This resurgence is particularly significant for Warriors fans, who remember Durant’s dominant years with the team. His performance in the Olympics serves as a reminder of the player he once was and can still be. The combination of Durant’s skill, passion, and enjoyment of the game makes him a formidable force, capable of leading any team to victory.
In conclusion, Kevin Durant’s performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics has caught the attention of basketball fans, especially those who remember his time with the Golden State Warriors. His recent scoring outburst and visible joy on the court signal a potential return to form for the superstar, rekindling the fire that made him one of the best players in the world. As he continues to compete in the Olympics, fans will be watching closely to see if this newfound enthusiasm carries over into the upcoming NBA season with the Phoenix Suns.
