Since entering the NBA, Kevin Durant has been an exceptional scorer. The Phoenix Suns star’s offensive versatility and 7-foot frame make him an almost unguardable threat. Durant has always been able to rely on a variety of ways to score, drawing from his extensive skill set.
Unfortunately, Durant had to refine his game after enduring an Achilles tear during the 2019 NBA Finals. Many were concerned about the impact of the injury on his return, but the former league MVP has continued to dominate his opponents. After returning to the court in the 2020-21 season, Durant revealed in an interview that he had dug deeper into his “basketball IQ.”
Durant told his interviewer, “I’m more methodical now in my approach with where I want to score from and where I want to initiate from.” Before his injury, Durant said he was mostly “running it ‘kamikaze style.’ I was not reading the defense, not understanding the different schemes that coaches were putting at me.” Clearly, the injury forced him to reevaluate his approach to the game and focus on being more strategic in his play.
This focus on basketball intelligence seems to have paid off for Durant, as he has continued to dominate on the court despite concerns about the impact of his injury. By being more methodical and reading the defense, Durant has opened up a new level of play and understanding of the game, making him an even more fearsome opponent for other teams.
Overall, Kevin Durant’s journey back from injury has only made him a stronger and more strategic player. By tapping into his basketball IQ and becoming more methodical in his approach, Durant has shown an incredible ability to adapt and overcome adversity. His ongoing success is a testament to both his talent and determination.
