Kevin Durant News: Pro Sports Daily

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March 10

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant is surprised people like Magic Johnson, who recently interviewed him, is shocked he's comfortable with small-market Oklahoma City instead of playing in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. "I was watching the Larry Bird-Magic Johnson documentary the other day," Durant said. "I'm similar to Bird. I like being at home. I like staying at my mom's house and her cooking. That's the kind of person I am. I'm not into the big city lights and the paparazzi, that type of stuff. I just love playing basketball and chillin' out." In the HBO documentary Durant referred to, Bird was comfortable in French Lick, Ind., while Johnson preferred the constant entertainment in Hollywood. "I can relate ..."

Can OKC players avoid the big head?

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March 8

The Oklahoman

"In the last week, James Harden has appeared on Jim Rome is Burning, Kevin Durant taped a nationally televised sit-down interview with Magic Johnson and Russell Westbrook's eye-popping performances enticed a prominent NBA writer to Oklahoma City for an upcoming piece in ESPN The Magazine. The Oklahoma City Thunder has arrived on the NBA map, garnering attention and acclaim unlike anything the franchise has experienced since relocating from Seattle nearly two years ago. Evolving into the talk of the league is an honor, a testament to the Thunder's thrilling turnaround. But with increased publicity comes perhaps the Thunder's greatest challenge yet. Dealing with it. To this point, we've seen ..."

Kevin Durant concedes NBA scoring title to Lebron James

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March 6

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"With six weeks left to go in the season, LeBron James and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant are locked up in what has the potential to be one of the tightest scoring races in NBA history. The two entered the weekend separated by 0.18 points per game, which would make it the second closest scoring race ever after George Gervin edged David Thompson by 0.07 points in the 1977-78 season. Not that they care about it. James has said consistently over the last month that winning his second scoring title -- he became the first Cav in team history to win it in 2007-08 -- isn't even on his radar. Now Durant, who is having a breakout season in his third year in the league, is conceding it to James. ..."

Kevin Durant scores 32; Thunder beats Clippers, 104-87

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March 6

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant scored a game-high 32 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 104-87 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Staples Center. The Thunder never trailed after taking a 6-4 lead with 9:23 remaining in the first quarter, and it was just the type of performance the Thunder needed, a game that never was in doubt following its worst defeat of the season two nights earlier at Denver. "We felt like this was a real important game for us," said Nick Collison. "We haven't played the way we did in Denver pretty much all year. So we knew we needed to come out and have a totally different mindset and really be sharp. I think we did that." With the win, the Thunder ..."

Kevin Durant wants to sign a contract extension this summer

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March 5

The Oklahoman

"In an interview with AOL Fanhouse, Thunder forward Kevin Durant issued his strongest statements yet regarding his upcoming contract extension. Durant told the Web site that if the Thunder offered a maximum contract of five years and roughly $80 million, he would re-sign this summer. "Yeah, that's what I want to do," Durant said. "I want to be here. I want to be part of this organization." Negotiations between Durant's representatives and the Thunder can start July 1. A deal must be reached by Oct. 31 or Durant will become a restricted free agent in 2011. Durant, however, said he can't foresee it getting to that point. "If they did offer (a max contract), that would be something that nobody ..."

Kevin Durant Wants an Extension, Gives Thunder Easiest Decision Ever

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March 5

SportingNews.com

"One of the most exciting stories of this season has been the continued development of Kevin Durant from a great scorer into one of the league's true superstars. He's averaging 29.7 ppg and 7.5 rpg, getting to the line more, and improving his defense with every game. Good news, Thunder fans: he also wants to work out a contract extension with OKC this summer. From FanHouse's Chris Tomasson: In an interview with FanHouse before Wednesday's game at Denver, Durant said his preference is to sign a contract extension this summer with Oklahoma City because he enjoys playing for the team so much. [...]"

Kevin Durant says he'll sign a max deal if Thunder offers this summer

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March 4

The Oklahoman

"If Oklahoma City makes Kevin Durant a maximum contract offer this summer, he'll sign it. In an interview Wednesday with FanHouse, Durant said he wants to sign an extension with the Thunder. Negotiations can start July 1. "Yeah, that's what I want to do," he said."I want to be here. I want to be part of this organization." The Thunder has the option of waiting until the summer of 2011 to re-sign Durant as an unrestricted free agent. By then the NBA could have a new collective bargaining agreement in place, and the owners' offer last month made it clear their intent is to drastically cut maximum salaries. The owners also proposed cutting the maximum number of years in a contract from five to ..."

Hoops nightmare: "Durantula"

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March 3

Denver Post

"Glum, with ties undone after the deflating loss, the Nuggets' coaches looked snake-bitten, but they should have known better. They were spider-bitten. The "Durantula" got them that night in Oklahoma City — 30 points on 12-for-19 shooting — in the Thunder's 101-84 victory. Nuggets coach George Karl looked at his staff afterward and said: "We've got to do something different." Tonight at the Pepsi Center, the Nuggets will face Kevin Durant for the first time since that January disaster. Karl's new defensive plan is to try and do a better job of denying the 6-foot-9 Durant the ball, as well as rotate bigger defenders his way throughout the game. "You can't just let him shoot and fire," Karl ..."

Kevin Durant stands behind controversial Nike shoe

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March 2

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant voiced his support for the "Hyperize" line of shoe created by Nike that has recently come under scrutiny with at least one NBA team. The strength and conditioning coach in Detroit recently banned the Pistons from wearing the line because of a recent rash of sprained ankles, according to reports. Pistons Richard Hamilton, Ben Gordon and Will Bynum all have missed games this season because of ankle injuries. But Durant, who is sponsored by Nike and filmed a commercial for the Hyperize line last season, said he's never had an issue with the shoe. "Ankle injuries can come from stepping on a guy's foot or coming down on somebody. Rarely does it happen when you're just running ..."

Kevin Durant's scoring streak ends in Thunder's loss to San Antonio

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February 26

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder is on another streak. But these type of streaks are what teams fighting for playoff berths try to avoid. After compiling a nine-game winning streak, the franchise's longest in nearly six years, the Thunder has lost back-to-back games following a 95-87 setback to San Antonio on Wednesday night at AT"

Kevin Durant's streak is over

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February 26

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant's streak of consecutive 25-point game ended at 29 Wednesday night in a loss at San Antonio. Thunder coach Scott Brooks said the streak was never a priority. Brooks' only caveat was Durant shoot within the offense. Durant scored 30 or more points in 23 of the 29 games, shot 50.8 percent from the field and drained half his 102 3-point attempts.One key was Durant got to the free-thrown line an average of 11 times a game, while attempting just over 20 field goal attempts.It was the second longest 25-point scoring streak in the NBA in the past 35 years. Only Michael Jordan, who ran off 40 consecutive 25-point games in 1986-87, has had a longer streak."If it was as easy as he made ..."

Kevin Durant's scoring streak ends in Thunder's loss to San Antonio

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February 25

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder is on another streak. But these type of streaks are what teams fighting for playoff berths try to avoid. After compiling a nine-game winning streak, the franchise's longest in nearly six years, the Thunder has lost back-to-back games following a 95-87 setback to San Antonio on Wednesday night at AT&T Center. A night after blowing a 10-point lead to Phoenix in the Ford Center, the Thunder once again couldn't get key stops or key baskets down the stretch. "It comes down to making shots, and we missed some," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "They do a good job of defending you. The Spurs are not going to give you any easy baskets. The Spurs are one of the best teams. Defensively, ..."

Kevin Durant: Only one streak matters

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February 24

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant repeatedly has said a two-month-long, 25-point scoring streak isn't important. His focus is winning games. That's why Durant wasn't celebrating when he was informed after a 104-102 loss to Phoenix Tuesday night that he now leads the NBA in scoring. Durant scored 36 points on a night LeBron James scored only 20 to leapfrog James in the scoring chase. But Oklahoma City had its nine-game win streak end before a sellout crowd at the Ford Center. "I don't really care," Durant said of leading the league. "We had a good streak going in the win column. This was a tough one. It could have been 10 in a row. That's the last thing I'm worried about." Durant's sullen mood was indicative of ..."

Kevin Durant is a scoring machine

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February 22

The Oklahoman

"When asked whether a sustained scoring streak could ultimately have a negative impact on the Thunder's long-term success, Kevin Durant took exception to the question and responded by posing one of his own. "What's our record in this streak?" he asked, referring to his 27 straight games of at least 25 points. The answer: 19-8 going into Sunday's game at Minnesota. "That answers your question right there," Durant said. (The streak is now 28 games, with the Thunder's record 20-8 after Sunday's win at Minnesota.) But with 27 regular season games remaining, Durant's torrid tear has put him in position to become the youngest scoring champion in NBA history. Yet, only three scoring champions over ..."

Durant spoils McGrady's Knicks debut

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February 21

The Journal News

"Tracy McGrady's dazzling debut was just about everything the Knicks could have hoped for. It just wasn't enough to stop Kevin Durant and the surging Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant scored 36 points and made the go-ahead jumper with 16 seconds left in overtime, and the Thunder beat the Knicks 121-118 Saturday night for their eighth straight victory. "We knew there was going to be a lot of energy in the building with Tracy McGrady coming in," Durant said. "He played phenomenal. He's back. He played well, but I'll take the win." McGrady scored 26 points in his first game since the Knicks acquired him Thursday at the trade deadline. But he was on the bench for almost all of overtime, perhaps ..."

Mr. Clutch does it again for OKC

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February 21

The Oklahoman

"This time, when he squared up, cocked back and fired, there was no doubt the ball would splash through the net. And when it did, knotting the score at 105-all and giving his team new life, Kevin Durant turned and saluted the 19,763 inside Madison Square Garden. Really, it served as a symbolic gesture, a salutation that would introduce the Thunder's star to any and all who still don't know his name or his game. Durant scored a game-high 36 points to lift Oklahoma City to a 121-118 overtime win over New York on Saturday night, spoiling the Knicks debut of his idol Tracy McGrady. Durant's 3-pointer with six seconds remaining sent the game into the extra period. His 16-footer with 16.6 left on ..."

Weekend was draining for Kevin Durant

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February 16

The Oklahoman

"He ran through the rookie wall and swatted away the so-called sophomore jinx. Kevin Durant's next test is hurdling the post-All-Star hangover. It's a challenge perennial All-Stars like Miami's Dwyane Wade and Boston's Kevin Garnett both warned Durant about last weekend while the Thunder's first-time selection was in Dallas. "Your eyes are wide open," said Wade, a six-time All-Star, of first-timers. "You want to go to every event possible to enjoy the experience. But once the weekend is winding down you're tired. You go back to your regular season and you get even more tired, especially if you have some back-to-backs.""

Kevin Durant looking like cinch for Team USA

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February 15

The Oklahoman

"Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant is all but guaranteed a spot on Team USA this summer for the World Championships in Turkey, according to USA basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo. "Durant has kind of separated himself," Colangelo said. "If you look at his numbers and what he brings to the table... He came close to making it last time as a kid. So without overkilling this thing, I would just say I'm almost certain Durant will be part of our next squad regardless of who else is on it." Durant, though, isn't the only "young gun" on Team USA's roster. The 59th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night at Cowboys Stadium featured perennial All-Stars such as Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Paul ..."

Thunder's Kevin Durant the biggest story on All-Star weekend

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February 15

The Oklahoman

"Anyone with a clue knew Kevin Durant, picked No. 2 in the 2007 draft, quickly would become a great player. But who knew he would so soon become such a star? Who knew, in his third NBA season, flying the colors of Oklahoma City's Thunder, Durant would be the biggest story during all-star weekend? Durant was everywhere. Coaching the rookies. Playing H-O-R-S-E. Pitching Nikes. Durant had more TNT face time than did Charles Barkley. Just look at the treatment of Durant during the All-Star telecast Sunday night. Pull two other players out of a hat. Let's say Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce. Anthony a perennial scoring-title threat on a Denver team that will challenge the Lakers for NBA ..."

"Durantula" likes his nickname

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February 14

The Oklahoman

"Get ready Thunder fans. You're going to hear a lot of "Durantula" nickname references for Kevin Durant. Dwayne Wade loves it. So does Dwight Howard. Utah point guard Deron Williams isn't a big fan. "I guess that's what everybody has started calling me," Durant said. "It's different. You've never really heard it before. Dwyane Wade said he liked it. I'll stick with it if those guys like it. If not, we might have to change it." Wade said nicknames help rising stars like Durant create their own identity."

Kevin Durant is king of H-O-R-S-E again

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February 14

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant threw out the tricks and resorted to his range. The decision saved Durant in an unexpected shootout in the H-O-R-S-E competition on Saturday night and lifted the Thunder star to his second straight victory after outlasting a resilient and upset-minded Rajon Rondo and a disappointing Omri Casspi. And with this win, Durant took home a more traditional trophy, making up for the makeshift cardboard award with the plastic toy horse that he was given last year. "It was all fun," said Durant, who finished off Rondo behind eight straight 3-pointers from the top of the key. "I'm glad I was given an opportunity to come back and defend my title and I'm glad I won again. We'll see next ..."

A taste of stardom: Kevin Durant poised to take place among the game's elite

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February 14

The Oklahoman

"Magic Johnson called him "Mr.," many declared him the MVP and girls grew giddy when they touched him. Welcome to Kevin Durant's new life as an NBA superstar. All-Star Weekend in Dallas marked the moment the Thunder's franchise player arrived. Tonight, an estimated 90,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium, and a nationally televised audience, will tune in to his first All-Star appearance. They'll like be treated to what Oklahoma has witnessed all season — a gem of a player who is poised to take his place among the game's elite. Durant, throughout this weekend, has remained humble with regards to his rapid rise. The league's second-leading scorer still couldn't sense his heightened fame Friday, ..."

What will Kevin Durant do next?

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February 13

The Oklahoman

columnist Berry Tramel

"Almost every game, seems like, we see something remarkable from Kevin Durant. The other night against Golden State, Durant stopped his dribble well short of the hoop on the left but used that enormous stride to get all the way under the basket for an acrobatic reverse layup on the right. Or at Portland on Tuesday night, when in the open court Durant used a crossover dribble to break the ankles of old pro Andre Miller. Or something as simple as what teammate Kevin Ollie saw in a recent game. Durant passed off the dribble to Thabo Sefolosha in the corner, a routine play for a point guard but not for a 6-foot-10 wunderkin. They keep coming, these basketball feats we've never before seen from ..."

Labor issue impacts Kevin Durant

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February 13

The Oklahoman

"Proposed changes by NBA owners to the league's labor agreement were considered so off-based by players on Friday that the document ended up in the dumpster at the end of the business day. It was the conclusion to a "contentious" 90-minute meeting that the head of the players union called Round 1 of what could be a 15-round fight. The wrangling is another first in Oklahoma City's NBA journey, leaving fans wondering what it all means for the Thunder franchise and its star player. The answer won't be known for months, but it could be a non-issue if Oklahoma City re-signs Kevin Durant this summer as expected. The long-term ramifications for fellow Thunder players Russell Westbrook, James ..."

Showcase could allow nation to finally discover Kevin Durant

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February 13

Dallas Morning News

columnist Tim Cowlishaw

"It all seems a bit too soon, even now as the numbers pile up and up and up. And the numbers do not lie when it comes to first-time All-Star Kevin Durant. You're not supposed to be part of the discussion, even find your name in the same sentence with the likes of those known as Kobe or LeBron or Dwyane, when you're 21 years of age and you play in an NBA outpost as remote as Oklahoma City. But the Durantula, or KD, or Durant Durant ("He's on the hunt, he's after you...LeBron?") surely belongs in this All-Star Game. In fact, when crunch time comes and the West needs big baskets, Coach George Karl can't turn to the injured Kobe Bryant or Chris Paul or Brandon Roy. That could lead to a ..."

Rolling with Thunder, Kevin Durant steadily raises his game

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February 12

USA Today

columnist Susan Bible

"First-time All-Star Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder's franchise player, has plenty to smile about these days.Durant, 21, has gone from averaging 20.3 points his first season to 25.3 points last season to 29.7 points this season, leading or among the league leaders. "There's going to be a lot of pressure (to keep that scoring average rising) for next year. So, in his seventh year, what is that? ... Wilt Chamberlain numbers of 53.8 (points a game)?" Thunder coach Scott Brooks says, laughing. Durant also is chasing the record books with 25 consecutive games of 25 points or more. The last to have achieved at least a 24-game streak like that within his first three seasons was Michael ..."

Kevin Durant excited

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February 12

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant figures to be a perennial All-Star in years to come but said the first time is special. "I'm very excited," Durant said. "It's going to mean a lot, especially since it's in Texas where I played my college basketball. My first one is something no one can take away from me. Running out of that tunnel, hearing my name as a Western Conference All-Star, that's when it's really going to hit me." Defending H-O-R-S-E title Besides making his All-Star Game debut Sunday night in Dallas, Durant will defend his H-O-R-S-E title Saturday afternoon. "Last year the fans were really into it," Durant said. "It was televised nationally. It was fun. It's pretty cool. I'm excited to do it again." ..."

Kevin Durant not expected to replace Kobe Bryant in All-Star lineup

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February 12

The Oklahoman

"Thunder forward Kevin Durant is not expected to be named a starter in Sunday night's NBA All-Star Game in place of injured guard Kobe Bryant. Denver coach George Karl, who will coach the Western Conference All-Stars and is in charge of naming the lineup replacement, said before his Nuggets played San Antonio on Thursday night that he is leaning toward Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki or Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups. "To be honest with you, I'd probably lean towards Dirk," Karl said. "The karma of the game is 100,000 people. I think it would be good to give Dallas a representative. They've had a good year.""

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook named to U.S. national team

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February 11

The Oklahoman

"What once stood as the chink in Kevin Durant's game has now become the characteristic that could help punch the Thunder forward's ticket to the 2012 Olympics. When asked about Durant's projected contributions to the U.S. men's national team, USA and long-time Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski pointed to Durant's potential as a defender. "He's a great player, and he can score the ball," Krzyzewski said Wednesday during a national teleconference. "But his length on the perimeter gives him an opportunity to really defend some people." Durant and teammate Russell Westbrook are among a pool of 27 players USA Basketball pegged for its 2010-2012 national team roster. The players chosen Wednesday will be ..."

Thunder's Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook on U.S. 2010-12 Olympics team roster

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February 10

The Oklahoman

"The players chosen Wednesday will be candidates for this summer's world championships and the 2012 Olympics in London. Also returning from the team that ended the Americans' eight-year gold medal drought in major competitions are: Chris Bosh, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. All of the returning players previously told USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo they are interested in coming back after spending all or parts of three years playing for the team that returned the United States to the top of international basketball. James, Wade and Bosh are all questionable to actually play this summer, though. All three can become free agents and have ..."

Can KD become an All-Star starter in OKC?

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February 10

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City aren't supposed to mix. The market allegedly is too small for the player to ever realize his growth potential, from his success on the court to his sponsorship opportunities off it. It's a stereotype that has followed Durant since he first stepped foot in Oklahoma. Now, just three days before his first NBA All-Star Game, comes the question of whether the Thunder's star forward can grow into a perennial All-Star starter while playing in Oklahoma City? In this year's fan voting for the game's starters, Durant finished more than 1.2 million votes behind Denver's Carmelo Anthony and more than 286,000 shy of San Antonio's Tim Duncan among Western Conference ..."

Kevin Durant shows appreciation

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February 10

The Oklahoman

"To show his gratitude for making the NBA All-Star Game, Kevin Durant is purchasing "Beats by Dr. Dre" stereo headphones with the words "Thank You" on them for his teammates. "I say it a lot, but I just wanted to show how much I appreciate them," Durant said. "They're the ones who made me into an All-Star. They get me open (with screens), pass the ball to me to make shots. It's something small. Most all these guys have headphones, just about everything they need. I just wanted to at least give them something." Unaware of Durant's generosity, Thunder coach Scott Brooks said: "I'd like a pair. Mine are really old." Informed Durant plans to give him headphones, Brooks turned serious, calling ..."

Durant reminds Blazers - again - of what they let get away

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February 10

Oregonian

"Durant is a very sincere and humble guy, but I don't believe him. Normally, most players don't forget the team that snubbed them in the draft (some players picked in the second-round can recite every team and every player selected before them), Portland opted toGreg Oden with the first overall pick, leaving the Thunder (then the Seattle SuperSonics) to "settle" for Durant in the 2007 draft. Durant, who is as fierce a competitor as any player, isn't likely to forget. Durant won't say it, but I think he takes special delight after each win that the Thunder achieves against Portland. And the feeling is extra special when he plays well, and I would venture to say that the 33-point, 11-rebound ..."

Thunder storm back to beat Blazers

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February 10

Portland Tribune

"Nate McMillan wondered if it were a case of too much pre-game Red Bull. For sure, there was too much Kevin Durant for his Trail Blazers. Whatever the ingredients, they added up to an important victory for Oklahoma City Tuesday night. On the occasion of the 100th consecutive sellout crowd at the Rose Garden, the Blazers laid an egg. Durant - passed over by Portland for Greg Oden with the first pick in the 2007 draft - scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Thunder to an 89-77 win over the Blazers. With Oden recuperating from his second knee surgery in his three years as a pro, Durant - taken by Seattle with the second choice of the '07 draft - is enjoying a stellar season that ..."

Kevin Durant's streak continues

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February 8

The Oklahoman

"Midway through the third quarter Saturday night, Kevin Durant had scored "only" 13 points. His streak of consecutive 25-point games was in jeopardy. Durant got hot late in the third quarter to finish with 29. "The streak isn't important," said coach Scott Brooks. "Kevin hasn't mentioned it one time. We want him to take good shots. If he ends up with 25 good shots, that's great. If he only ends up with 14 good shots, that's great. He's shooting a good percentage because he's getting good shots and not searching for shots." Durant has scored 25 or more points in 24 consecutive games, the longest streak since Allen Iverson had 27 in a row nine years ago. Michael Jordan (40 consecutive games) ..."

How high can Kevin Durant go?

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February 7

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"Because he averaged 32.1 points in January, and is averaging close to 30 points a game at age 21, Kevin Durant was asked how high his average might be five years from now. "I wish I could (tell you)," Durant said. "Only God knows what the future holds. I've just got to continue to get better. The only thing I can control is how hard I work and how hard this team works. Since I'm kind of the leader I lead by working hard each day." When a reporter suggested Durant could maybe average 35.0 points at age 27, Durant scoffed."

Kevin Durant scores 29, Thunder beats Warriors

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February 7

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook added 21, and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their fifth straight, beating the Golden State Warriors 104-95 Saturday night. Jeff Green had 18 points for the Thunder, who matched their best winning streak this season. Westbrook added 10 assists, a career-high eight steals and seven rebounds."

Is Kevin Durant this years MVP?

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February 6

The Oklahoman

"In only his third NBA season, he's earned his first All-Star selection, has his team on the cusp of an improbable postseason berth and could take home the league scoring title. Can Kevin Durant cap it off by winning the Most Valuable Player award?The question might sound outlandish, but the Thunder's star forward has now thrust himself into the discussion with his breakout season.All signs suggest Durant likely will finish in the top five in voting for the league's top regular-season individual honor. At 21, he'd become the youngest player to finish in the top five since a 21-year-old Tracy McGrady came in fourth in 2001-02 with Orlando.Entering Friday's games, Durant was tied with ..."

Thunder notebook: Kevin Durant has shot at scoring lead

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February 6

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant is tied with Denver's Carmelo Anthony for the league scoring lead (29.7), although Anthony technically leads by percentage points. Considering Durant scored a season-high 45 points in a win over Golden State last Sunday, Durant has a chance to officially take the lead tonight when the Thunder take on the Warriors again. If Durant scores 32 or more points he officially passes Anthony. If he scores between 33 and 37 points tonight, his average improves to 29.8.SHOOTING THE LIGHTS OUT The Thunder shot a season-best 57.5 percent Wednesday night in New Orleans. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Thunder has averaged 105.5 points, shooting 51.4 percent the last four games. OKC ..."

KD will be assistant coach for Rookie Challenge

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February 4

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant's All-Star weekend is getting busier by the day. The Thunder forward, who was named to his first NBA All-Star team last Thursday, has been named an assistant coach for the Rookie team in this year's Rookie Challenge. Last year, Durant set a scoring record with 46 points as his Sophomore team beat the Rookies. "It should be fun," Durant said. "It's my coaching debut. The rookies haven't won in a while. Hopefully, I can help lead them to victory." Durant will coach teammate James Harden and coach against second-year guard Russell Westbrook. When asked what his scouting report on Westbrook is, who sat three feet away inside the visitor's locker room at New Orleans Arena before ..."

Mathematically, Carmelo has slight edge on Durant

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February 3

The Oklahoman

"By scoring 33 points, Kevin Durant has tied Denver's Carmelo Anthony for the league scoring lead. Mathematically, Anthony still leads by percentage points. Both are averaging 29.7 points per game. "I won't be surprised at all if he passes him," said Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook. "It shows his progression as a player. He's doing a great job. He passes when he needs to pass and scores when he needs to score." STARTING/FINISHING FIVE For one of the few times all season, the Thunder's starting five finished a game. With Joe Johnson scoring a game-high 37 points, scoring at will, the game tied at 89-89, OKC coach Scott Brooks inserted defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha and starting center ..."

Mr. Clutch? Durant's late passes carry OKC past Hawks

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February 3

The Oklahoman

"The payoff for Kevin Durant came on two plays, a discreet set of decisions that validated the scores of simulated situationals, the endless post-practice repetitions and, at times, his expletive-laced frustration. While we wait on the Thunder's star forward to consistently make the big shot, Durant showed Tuesday night that he's capable and more than comfortable in making the right play. Without Durant's 33-point, 11-rebound performance against Atlanta, the Thunder wouldn't have been in the game. But had it not been for Durant's three assists, the last pair on back-to-back possessions inside the final two minutes, the Thunder possibly fails to escape with a 106-99 win. On this night, those ..."

Kevin Durant lays 45 points on Warriors

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February 1

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder didn't win the way coach Scott Brooks drew up the game plan Sunday night at the Ford Center. But one byproduct from the Thunder's 112-104 shootout win over the Golden State Warriors was that Kevin Durant scored 45 points to pass LeBron James in what is becoming an interesting race for the NBA scoring title. An announced crowd of 17,565 got a little antsy when a 15-point lead all but evaporated. But when the smoke cleared, Oklahoma City had a win. And Durant is close to leading the league in scoring. The NBA's scoring leader chart now reads: Carmelo Anthony (29.7), Durant (29.6) and James (29.4). Posting one of the best shooting percentages in franchise history, Durant drained ..."

Kevin Durant's receives congrats

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January 30

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant received 10 congratulatory text messages two minutes after it was announced he's an NBA All-Star for the first time. E-mails and text messages continued to pour in the next 24 hours. "Knowing I'll have OKC on the back of the jersey is something I'm looking forward to," Durant said. "And just to see 80,000 fans, especially from the state of Texas, is what I'm looking forward to the most."DECENT CROWD Officially a sellout, an estimated 10,000 fans braved slick road conditions to attend Friday night's game vs. Denver. Unlike two previous times when inclement weather has affected a Ford Center NBA game, team officials couldn't invite all people in the upper deck to move down. ..."

It's no joke, Kevin Durant's an All-Star

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January 29

The Oklahoman

"Leave it to the "Round Mound of Sound" to pester Kevin Durant on one of the biggest days of his professional career. Shortly after announcing Durant as a first-time All-Star on Thursday night, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley engaged the Thunder forward in some good-natured ribbing via a televised phone interview from the TNT studio in Atlanta. "Kevin, in fairness, we didn't want to break your heart on TV," Barkley started. "You've been punk'd. You didn't really make the team." Replied Durant, over a sea of laughter from the studio, "That's messed up, man." Chalk it up to rookie hazing. Durant's selection to the Western Conference squad marks the first time Oklahoma City has ever had an ..."

The making of an All-Star

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January 29

The Oklahoman

"All the little boy wanted was to be the best in his neighborhood. That was his dream. A pristine purpose aimed at satisfying the kid's newest passion, not spawn the pursuit of college recruiters and NBA riches. For an 8-year-old Kevin Durant, that meant conquering the competition at Seat Pleasant Recreation Center, the one-story, brown-brick building just across the Anacostia River in suburban Washington, D.C., that became the base for everything the boy would achieve. Before Durant blossomed into the nation's No. 2 high school prospect, the 2007 National College Player of the Year, the 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year and now a first-time All-Star, his basketball journey began with a daily ..."

Thunder forward Kevin Durant will be an All-Star

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January 28

The Oklahoman

"Thunder forward Kevin Durant will be an All-Star for the first time, according to a report by Yahoo Sports. "Kevin has earned it doing it the right way," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "He's worked extremely hard even after our shootarounds and practices. He puts in a lot of effort. He's a team guy. It would be a great honor for him and our team." Durant is third in the league in scoring (29.3) behind Carmelo Anthony (29.7) and LeBron James (29.6). The 2008 Rookie of the Year, Durant leads the Thunder in scoring, rebounds (7.3), steals (1.4) and blocks (0.9). "My brother told me (Sunday) if we're watching the show and we see my name as a reserve we're going to pop the apple cider and run ..."

Apple cider celebration for Kevin Durant?

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January 26

The Oklahoman

"With the announcement just two days away for Western Conference reserves, Kevin Durant said he's trying not to think about whether he might be named an All-Star. "Now that it's getting closer and closer, it would be a dream come true," Durant said. "My brother told me (Sunday) if we're watching the show, and we see my name as a reserve we're going to pop the apple cider and run around the room and celebrate. Growing up, watching All-Star Games, seeing all the great players, if I am selected it would be the ultimate blessing." Is there something in the apple cider? "No," Durant said. "That's all it is. It's apples." Since the game is being played in Dallas, Durant said it would be a ..."

Kevin Durant insists he's learning how to step up late

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January 25

The Oklahoman

"In his third season, Kevin Durant has continued to struggle in coming up with last-second shots to tie or win the game. Durant missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer on Friday at Memphis. He had his potential game-tying driving layup attempt blocked by LeBron James with 2.9 seconds left to play Saturday at Cleveland. But the budding All-Star forward says he's getting better in those situations. "I'm learning," Durant said. "I'm learning each time I do that. Last year, we didn't have this many close games, or the year before that. But I'm learning, that's all I can say. I'm going to continue to be aggressive in those times, and hopefully they fall for me." Durant also failed to net big shots ..."

Kevin Durant has late-game struggles

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January 24

The Oklahoman

"After having his potential game-tying shot blocked by LeBron James in the waning seconds Saturday night in Cleveland -- 24 hours after missing a potential game-winning, 3-pointer in Memphis -- The Oklahoman's live blog drew some "Durant isn't clutch" comments. Hard to argue with that viewpoint at this stage of Durant's career.But that point of view minimizes the progress Durant and the league's second youngest team has made in roughly 12 months.Frustration is understandable. Players are frustrated. How can you not be frustrated when you lose 1-point games to the Spurs, Mavericks and Cavs, and a 2-point decision to Memphis in a 10-day span.But here are two things to consider:(1) OKC is 7-10 ..."