29 points, 9 rebounds, 5 turnovers, 8-18 FG, 10-10 FT, 3-7 3PT
Joseph Treutlein
You know youve got quite the player on your hands when you can say that a 29-point, 9-rebound performance wasnt among his best games of the season, and thats what you can say about this one for Kevin Durant. It wasnt a bad game by any means, and Durant definitely got better as the game went on in this one, but there were some questionable shots and turnovers by the multi-skilled freshman, and one just got the feel that he couldve performed better against Texas toughest opponent to date.
Durant had an up-and-down game, on one hand showing terrific ability on the offensive end, but on the other also showing some very questionable decision-making and having some struggles on the defensive end.
Offensively, its easy to marvel at many of the things Durant does, as its rare to see a player of his size with some of his abilities. The touch, form, and accuracy on his outside shot are nothing short of phenomenal, and he can effortlessly stroke the ball from NBA three-point range already, as he did on one shot in this game. He has great confidence in his shot, which is apparent the first time you see him shoot the ball, though he has a tendency to throw up some shots early in the shot-clock when it really isnt necessary. Durants ability to take the ball to the basket is equally impressive, and there arent many players his age and his size that can handle the ball so well with either hand. He protects the ball extremely well, understands how and when to utilize his beloved spin move on drives, and does it all effortlessly and fluidly, leading to some great shot attempts when you consider his elevation and high release point on shots. He did a great job getting to the free-throw line in this game and showed nice touch on his floaters, lay-ups, and turnaround jumpers, executing them right out of his spin move perfectly. On the other hand, Durant did travel a few times and charge into a defender on an out-of-control drive, so hes obviously still coming along in his court awareness and decision-making at this stage.
Durant did a good job on the boards in this game, but he operates there in a very unorthodox manner considering his effectiveness. Especially on the offensive end, he looks very tentative in drawing contact, and often will just use his incredible reach to get his hands on rebounds, but still does a good job finishing on putbacks, even though he doesnt seem to be assertive here at all. This is a testament to his touch and ability, and as he continues to hit the weights and improve his toughness inside, its a scary thought about how effective he could be. He didnt operate in the post much in this game, but showed a nice hook shot on one occasion.
Defensively, Durant looks very out of sorts, but his coach does a very good job hiding his deficiencies in the Texas scheme, usually putting him on the opposing teams worst player. In this game he got beat on a few occasions early inside by Gonzagas Sean Mallon, looking helpless trying to defend him, but coach Rick Barnes did a good job in not letting Gonzaga exploit him much after that. Durant seems to have trouble both on the perimeter and in the post on the defensive end, and thats definitely something hell need to work on over the course of the rest of this season.
Most people believe its a foregone conclusion that Durant will enter this years draft, and he has as good a chance to go #2 as anyone. Whether he can eclipse Greg Oden, almost unanimously assumed to be this years #1 pick, is still up in the air. Durants position at the next level is also something many are questioning, and realistically he could have success as a SG, SF, or PF, depending on what areas of his game he chooses to improve.
Durant did a good job on the boards in this game, but he operates there in a very unorthodox manner considering his effectiveness. Especially on the offensive end, he looks very tentative in drawing contact, and often will just use his incredible reach to get his hands on rebounds, but still does a good job finishing on putbacks, even though he doesnt seem to be assertive here at all. This is a testament to his touch and ability, and as he continues to hit the weights and improve his toughness inside, its a scary thought about how effective he could be. He didnt operate in the post much in this game, but showed a nice hook shot on one occasion.
Defensively, Durant looks very out of sorts, but his coach does a very good job hiding his deficiencies in the Texas scheme, usually putting him on the opposing teams worst player. In this game he got beat on a few occasions early inside by Gonzagas Sean Mallon, looking helpless trying to defend him, but coach Rick Barnes did a good job in not letting Gonzaga exploit him much after that. Durant seems to have trouble both on the perimeter and in the post on the defensive end, and thats definitely something hell need to work on over the course of the rest of this season.
Most people believe its a foregone conclusion that Durant will enter this years draft, and he has as good a chance to go #2 as anyone. Whether he can eclipse Greg Oden, almost unanimously assumed to be this years #1 pick, is still up in the air. Durants position at the next level is also something many are questioning, and realistically he could have success as a SG, SF, or PF, depending on what areas of his game he chooses to improve.