February 4
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
All you need to know about the Grizzlies' latest defeat is that they combined to score 17 points in the fourth quarter –- just one more than Kevin Durant. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward showed just why he is one of the NBA's most dynamic and clutch scorers Friday night in Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Griz could only tip their collective hats following a 101-94 loss that ended their two-game winning streak. Durant scored 16 of his game-high 36 points and the Thunder enjoyed 61-percent shooting in a final frame that began with the Griz leading by eight points. "He's a great player," Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said of Durant. "He took over the game. He's going to be one of the all-time"
December 29
Memphis Commercial Appeal
"
Zach Randolph sat in his locker and refused to lament over the Grizzlies' second straight loss to start the regular season. Sure, the Grizzlies missed their first 12 shots. Yes, they only led for a total of 32 seconds. And, no, Memphis couldn't defend the 3-point line. But it took Randolph's desperation heave to fall short at the buzzer for the Oklahoma City Thunder to finally escape with a 98-95 victory Wednesday night in FedExForum."
December 5
The Oklahoman
columnist Darnell Mayberry
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Once again, there are legitimate concerns about Kevin Durant as the start of another NBA season nears. And, again, he brought them on himself. With training camp scheduled to start Friday, the number one question for the Oklahoma City Thunder star will be what impact will yet another hectic summer schedule have on the two-time scoring champ? It was all fun and games watching Durant dazzle crowds from coast to coast this offseason when he played in nearly every pro-am and charity game he got invited to. But there's no telling how much of a toll that taxing tour took. And for a franchise that will be widely expected to compete for the championship this season, the Thunder absolutely cannot"