Between blockbuster trades, a new trio in Miami, and D-Rose going H.A.M, Kevin Durant flew under the radar this year. It's a little hard to do when you've won the scoring title for the second straight year and finally get a legit big man in Kendrick Perkins, but the flavor of the month nature of the NBA can do that sometime. Still, don't get it twisted, KD is next. A 6'10" scoring machine with leadership qualities and the all important "clutch gene," Durantula and the OKC Thunder look to break out the brooms out on the Knuggets tonight, and we're taking a look at the Signature Plays of Kevin Durant's Career...
"We Have an Ankle Break in Aisle 3!"
DATE: 2/10/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: This is why KD is the future of basketball in a nutshell: Bigs just aren't supposed to abuse guards like that, it's supposed to be the other way around. Sure, Andre Miller is old, but his ankles shouldn't be that brittle.
Blocking Kobe in the Playoffs
DATE: 4/22/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: This is why KD is the future of basketball, in a nutshell (the remix): bigs aren't supposed to be able to guard demi-God future Hall of Famers like this. Kobe and co. are still the team to beat, KD's Thunder just might be the team to do it though.
Bashing Rasho
DATE: 2/21/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: We have a Rasho Nesterovic sighting, people! In this sighting, he gets absolutely shitted on to the tenth power by a 19-year-old rookie that weighs a buck-twenty, soaking wet. Whatever happened to a good ol' fashioned flagrant foul? NO EASY LAY-UPS!
Posterizing Jermaine O'Neal
DATE: 12/19/2008
COMPLEX SAYS: Before the knees went, Jermaine rarely got dunked on. Nowadays, though? He's a walking, talking poster, and Durant is doing his part in helping the guys that still make posters stay in business.
Sharing the Wealth
DATE: 1/20/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: A true leader is unselfish. KD returns the favor and feeds his PG with the pretty lob versus the abysmal Timberwolves. Like Stockton and Malone, except with more handle for the big dude and longer shorts for the little guy.
Cutting Up the Rockets
DATE: 11/29/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: This is as signature as it gets. This man is damn near 7 feet tall with the skill of a SG. There's not much the Rockets can do but watch him tear through the lane. We feel your pain Seattle.
The Big Fundamental
DATE: 4/8/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: Pay attention kids. Always follow your shot. KD gets his own board, then proceeds to violently throw it down on Chris Andersen's neck. All the meth rehab in the world couldn't save the Birdman from this facial (he's lucky he still has his teeth!). Whoa, whoa, Kimosabe.
You're Gonna Need a Bigger Head
DATE: 10/14/2009
COMPLEX SAYS: Joel Anthony has the biggest head in the NBA (pause) and he gets dunked on regularly. One has nothing to do with the other, but hey, KDDGAF.
Game-Winner for the...Sonics!
DATE: 11/16/2007
COMPLEX SAYS: This is what the kids refer to as "In your mouth!" And yes, that's a Supersonics jersey. A great basketball city like Seattle deserves a team. OKC owner, Clay Bennett has reserved himself a place in hell. But he's got Durantula on his current team, so he'll worry about hell when he gets there. #sonicsgate
Sticking a Fork in the Knicks
DATE: 1/22/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: The Knicks definitely went through some growing pains this year, but they did everything right on this play. The 6'10" Gallo was draped all over KD and made him take a tough 3. Still... Oh well, maybe the Knicks can trade for this guy, too.