Nets superstar Kevin Durant scored a season-high 45 points in Monday’s 109-102 win over the Orlando Magic, as chants of “M-V-P” could be heard throughout the Barclays Center during the contest.
However, that accolade isn’t on Durant’s mind. Instead, all he wants is “the respect” from Nets fans and for them to enjoy attending a game.
“No, not really. I mean, I’ve been there, done that to be honest,” Durant said. “I know it’s going to take a lot from me to be in that conversation. I just want the respect from our fanbase and I want them to have a good time when they come to the game. That’s what strikes chants up, is how I play, from the fans as long as they’re having a good time.
“I’m not too worried about accolades at this point in my career.”
While Durant may not be as impressed with his own performance, Kyrie Irving said he’s constantly in awe of the things Durant does on the court.
“Oh yeah, all the time, all the time,” Irving said. “I think it’s a natural reaction when you’re seeing something special occur in front of you. You do your best to still be engaged, but it’s just hard not to just stare and just watch somebody that special and talented. We know what he’s capable of. When he shows his talent like this tonight, it’s definitely an honor to be a part of, grateful to be his teammate.”
After the game, Durant was asked on the court how he knows when he’s going to have a big scoring night.
“When I wake up,” Durant said with a smirk.
Durant added in the postgame news conference: “I really don’t know. I’ve had games where I shot incredible in warmups and had the worst shooting night that night. Mainly if my mind is in the right place coming into the game, as far as following the game plan, I feel like that’s when I’ll have solid games. Just trying to stay locked in on what we’re doing on the defensive side of the ball and try to stay locked in on where coach wants me to play on offense and the game’s just flowing naturally for me.”
Over 22 games this season, Durant is averaging 30.0 points on 54.8 percent shooting (despite just 34.6 percent from three) with 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game.
While it’s far too early to predict who will take home the MVP Award, Durant is making his case as he is currently sixth in the NBA in scoring behind fellow star players Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum. The Nets have also won two straight games to get back to .500 with an 11-11 record. Durant and Co. will now look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
