USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball against Miami Heat forward Andre Iguodala (28) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball against Miami Heat forward Andre Iguodala (28) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets have assembled one of the iconic big three featuring Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. While Harden and Irving have impressed, Durant has stood out of the pack with stats matching or even bettering his 2014 MVP tally.
Two years ago, when Kevin Durant suffered with the Achilles tear, many doubted whether KD would be back to his best when he returns. From his return in the preseason games, Durant looked like an absolute phenom.
He has been in impeccable form for the Nets so far. In the 15 games has played, the 32-year-old has averaged 30.5 points, 5.5 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
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KD created history as he is the became the third most prolific scorer behind legendary Michael Jordan and Lakers’ legend late Kobe Bryant in a special record.
Kevin Durant has scored 458 points through his first 15 games this season, the 3rd most by a player age 32 (or older) in NBA history. Only Kobe and MJ had better scoring starts to a season after turning 32. pic.twitter.com/90EmmPoTUp
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 28, 2021
The Nets’ superstar is the second highest scorer in the NBA this season and has been the standout player for the team. Coach Steve Nash will hope that Durant can maintain this fantastic form for the Nets and can lead the Nets to a championship.
Is Kevin Durant being slept on in the MVP race?
At this point of time three names have popped off as the favorites for becoming the NBA MVP, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
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It is surprising to see Durant not being mentioned as one of the front runners for now. Given the season he has had and that too after a two-year break, he is surely a top three player in the NBA.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) in the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
It takes something special to be the standout player among Harden and Kyrie. Durant has certainly proved that he is back for real and is ready to destroy any team’s defense. He is having one of the best seasons in his career and quietly is having an MVP calibre season.
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Despite his impressive numbers, the Nets have been nowhere near their best so far. Usually the MVP trophy is for the best players in the best team.
If the Nets’ inconsistent form continues, they won’t have a good enough record hurting Durant’s chances of becoming the MVP. He surely for now is a sleeping giant in the MVP race.
