Kevin Durant’s remarkable ascent on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list recently led him to surpass Hakeem Olajuwon, an achievement that places him 12th All-Time with a clear shot at entering the top 10 before the season’s end. When asked about this significant milestone, Durant shared an amusing anecdote from his childhood: his mother, Wanda Durant, had a crush on the legendary Houston Rockets big man, Hakeem Olajuwon.
“Olajuwon, my mom had a crush on Olajuwon when I was a kid. So, that’s all I used to hear in the house. It wasn’t Jordan in the house. It was Olajuwon in the house.”
"My mom had a crush on Olajuwon when I was a kid… that's all I used to hear in the house" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Qn5Kem4Rl7
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2023
In a lighthearted revelation, Durant humorously acknowledged that while many households may have celebrated Michael Jordan, it was Olajuwon who took center stage in his home due to his mother’s admiration. Wanda Durant’s infatuation with Olajuwon shaped Kevin’s early basketball influence, inspiring him to closely study the Rockets star’s game as he grew up.
Kevin Durant expressed genuine admiration for Olajuwon’s game and his journey as both a man and a basketball player. He acknowledged the privilege of being counted among the sport’s greatest players. As a perennial All-Star and one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, Durant continues to build on his legacy. Now with the Phoenix Suns, he aims to secure his third championship ring, but the path to success hinges on the health and performance of his star teammates, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, throughout the season.
The Lakers Edge Past The Suns In A Hard Fought Battle
The Lakers managed to edge past the Suns in a fiercely contested battle, claiming a 100-95 victory in a game that was remarkably closer than expected. This showdown held extra significance due to the highly anticipated matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who hadn’t shared the floor for five years, mainly due to injuries. Even with the absence of star players Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the Suns’ side, the presence of LeBron and Durant made this game a must-watch.
LeBron James, in his 21st season, defied expectations by playing a pivotal role throughout the fourth quarter. He scored 10 crucial points and demonstrated his enduring excellence, pushing the Lakers to secure the win. The Lakers were lagging behind for a substantial portion of the game but rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter, largely thanks to LeBron’s exceptional performance.
While Kevin Durant showcased his extraordinary skills, the Suns’ dependency on Durant, Booker, and Beal was evident, leaving them exposed when key players were missing. Despite Durant’s brilliance, the Lakers managed to restrict him through tactical defense, ultimately taking control of the game.
This nail-biting encounter proved that the Lakers and the Suns are strong contenders in the Western Conference, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead, especially once both teams reach full strength. The Lakers’ balance between managing LeBron’s minutes and pursuing victories will be a key storyline to follow. LeBron’s exceptional fourth-quarter display exemplified his relentless commitment to success, and it remains to be seen how the Lakers will maintain their strategy as the season unfolds.
The Suns Shouldn’t Be Stressed By This Loss
The Phoenix Suns shouldn’t be overly stressed by their narrow loss to the Lakers, especially considering that they were missing two key stars, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Suns managed to put up a strong fight, nearly emerging victorious despite these notable absences. Kevin Durant was unstoppable, delivering an outstanding performance with 39 points that put the Lakers on their toes.
It took a superhuman effort from LeBron James and Anthony Davis to secure the win for the Lakers. LeBron, despite being in his 21st season, played a critical role in the fourth quarter, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to victory. While the Lakers displayed their resilience, the Suns showcased their depth, even in the absence of two-star players. The fact that they came so close to defeating a LeBron-led Lakers team underscores their competitive spirit and potential.
For the Suns, this loss serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas for improvement and adjustments, particularly when it comes to managing games without key players. Once Booker and Beal return to full strength, the Suns are likely to be even more formidable. This loss should not overshadow the confidence and optimism they can draw from their performance against a strong Lakers squad.
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