All articles tagged with #kevin durant
Klay Thompson fired back at Kevin Durant's assertion that the Philadelphia 76ers currently have more offensive talent than the Golden State Warriors, posting on Instagram, 'Aye man, u good? What u using my full government name for?'; the exchange recalls Durant and Thompson's championship runs with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018.
Klay Thompson clapped back at Kevin Durant after Durant called him “never an MVP candidate” on Instagram, joking about people using his “full government.” Durant had compared the current Philadelphia 76ers to the Warriors dynasty, highlighting Embiid’s 2023 MVP, Brown’s 2024 Finals MVP, and Maxey’s All-Star status while noting LeBron’s impact. He also contrasted the Sixers’ expectations with the Warriors’ past, pointing out that the Warriors’ 2016-17 roster included a reigning MVP (Curry) and Thompson, whereas the Sixers—who hadn’t won since 1983 before their new acquisitions—aim to contend next spring.
Kevin Durant says the Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, can be contenders and compares the situation to his Warriors days, where multiple 20-point scorers drew backlash but helped teams win.
Durant said the 2026-27 76ers, now with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, could resemble the Warriors’ mid-dynasty with four 25-point scorers, making them a contender and “League Pass-worthy.” He didn’t know James was planning to sign in Philly and praised the market, while noting the Sixers’ core (Maxey and Embiid) alongside Brown/James additions aim to chase their first title since 1983.
Durant commented on the Sixers’ star-heavy roster after LeBron James joined, noting four 25-point scorers could make Philadelphia a title contender, and the piece discusses James’ new playmaking role and the debate over whether his move is ‘ring chasing,’ while analysts outline what Brown, Embiid, and Maxey must provide to contend for a title.
SB Nation highlights seven high-profile players who could be dealt over the coming year: Kevin Durant (Rockets), Kyrie Irving (Mavericks), Anthony Davis (Wizards), James Harden (Cavaliers), Tyler Herro (Bucks), Zion Williamson (Pelicans), and Michael Porter Jr. (Nets). The piece weighs each veteran’s contract status, age, and fit with current teams, noting that the spring-to-next-season trade market could heat up as rosters shape up and teams chase contending windows, with LeBron James’ recent 76ers move providing broader context for a flurry of potential transactions.
Kevin Durant defended LeBron James on social media after James announced he was joining the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal, arguing that a lasting legacy doesn’t require staying with one team in today’s NBA. Durant praised James as someone who embodies the game and pushed back on the idea that longevity with a single franchise is necessary for greatness, citing the modern salary-cap era and relentless media coverage. James will team with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Embiid, and others as he pursues a fifth title, reflecting the evolving nature of star movements in professional basketball.
The Athletic's 2026 NBA Player Tiers move LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant into Tier 2 (the top 30 players) as teams increasingly need multiple stars; Curry and Brunson anchor Tier 2A, with Durant and Leonard in that sub-tier, while 2B–2E flesh out other All-Stars—Harden, Booker, Fox, Murray, Embiid, Haliburton and more—plus a red-flag sub-tier for players dealing with injuries. The piece emphasizes that championships require stacked talent across rosters, not just a single superstar, citing Cavaliers, Knicks and Thunder as examples, and notes health and age influence placement (e.g., Embiid, Haliburton, Kyrie).
Kevin Durant will not play in Game 6 in Houston due to a bone bruise in his left ankle, keeping him out for at least five of six games in the series and likely ruling out a potential Game 7 in Los Angeles. The Rockets won Game 5 on the road without him, getting impactful play from Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun as their defense and half‑court offense improved. Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned with 22 points and six assists off the bench but faded late. Houston still faces a daunting path to history as they attempt to rally from 0‑3, with Durant’s status hanging over the outcome.
Los Angeles heads to Houston with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to finish the Rockets in Game 6, despite Kevin Durant being ruled out for Houston. Austin Reaves returns with 22 points in Game 5 to bolster the Lakers’ depth, but Houston has won two straight elimination games and is favored at home, keeping the series competitive. The Lakers also face uncertainty around Luka Dončić’s status for a potential second-round matchup, adding urgency to closing out the series quickly.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant provided the marquee matchup, but the Lakers rode a lockdown defense and a 48-point burst from Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard to beat the Rockets 101-94 and take a 2-0 series lead; Durant was held to a quiet second half with 9 turnovers, as Smart and Kennard supplied the scoring and pressure."
NBA.com's live blog recaps Tuesday’s 2026 Playoffs, headlined by LeBron's Lakers hosting Kevin Durant's Rockets in Game 2 as KD and LAL trade leads; it also notes Scoot Henderson’s 31-point Portland win over San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama’s concussion protocol update, and Tyrese Maxey with VJ Edgecombe's 59-point showing lifting Philadelphia to a 111-97 win to even the Celtics series at 1-1.
Houston’s Game 1 loss to the Lakers underscored how pivotal Kevin Durant’s health is for the Rockets, who struggled offensively without him. Durant is dealing with a knee contusion and is a game-time decision for Game 2, and his presence has historically boosted Houston’s efficiency and scoring balance. Without him, Houston leaned on Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, and the series now hinges on whether Durant can return at even partial effectiveness to change the dynamics against a Lakers team that took a 1-0 lead.
Dr. Evan Jeffries explains Durant's knee contusion is a deep bruise to the patellar tendon that can cause pain, swelling, and reduced motion, potentially delaying his playoff return; while he may try to play Game 2, clearance depends on pain-free tests and avoiding recurrence, with jumping and speed likely to be bothersome even after returning. The discussion also notes similar runner's-knee issues for Curry and Edwards, and that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are unlikely to play this series.
Durant is listed as questionable for Game 2 after a deep bruise in his right patellar tendon caused swelling and limited range of motion. He practiced in part, and coach Ime Udoka said mobility will determine his availability as Houston waits to see how the leg responds ahead of Tuesday's tip-off.