“She’s a Soldier”: Kevin Durant Poured Love for the “Real MVP” of His Life

Kevin Durant, now in his 16th NBA season, has seen many remarkable moments, but none quite compare to the magic of the 2013–14 season. That season, which saw him drop 32 points per game on 63.5% true shooting, culminated with a well-deserved MVP award, his only one to date. However, by the end of the ceremony, we had two MVPs- KD, who had received 119 first-place votes, and his mother Wanda, whom he called his “real MVP.” In an emotional acceptance speech, Durant dedicated the precious trophy to the woman who stood by him through thick and thin. While this was almost a decade ago, the emotions still reverberate every time KD talks about his mother.

In a recent video posted on the Phoenix Suns‘ official Instagram page, Kevin Durant spoke about the impact his mother has had on his life. “My mom… She’s been there with me literally since day one. She’s driven me to practice, picked me up from games, stayed up late nights to help me work out and go do homework. She done it all, man. She’s a soldier, and she knows me the most, and she’s been the most supportive.”

As KD said, she really has done it all. After her husband left her to fend for herself and her two little sons, an infant KD and a toddler Anthony, just at the age of 21, she single-handedly raised them while working two jobs, including an overnight shift at the post office.

Wanda’s tough love shaped Kevin Durant into the person he is today

Even at 35, KD is one of the most prolific shooters in the league, a testament to his strong work ethic. This work ethic is nothing but a result of Mama Durant’s tough love. In an interview with ESPN, she revealed, “He would have workouts with his coach. I would come in after work and the coach would require him to do maybe 25 sprints, 25 layups and I would just come in with ease and say, ‘No, I think you need to do 75.’…But sometimes I’m like, “Wow, I may have been a little bit cruel.” But it was the part of the foundation of his work ethic.”

When Kevin Durant felt like throwing in the towel, it was his mother, Wanda, who urged him to persevere. She had a simple rule. “You had to finish what you started.” Even if he wanted to quit basketball, he had to learn an outside activity. “And so I suggested that he take piano lessons. So, once he found out it was piano, he decided he was going to stick with basketball,” said Wanda. Can you imagine KD as a pianist? Let us know in the comments!

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