Even as Kevin Durant added another chapter to his legendary NBA career with a 42-point masterpiece against the Cleveland Cavaliers, it was a story from his childhood that brought out the biggest smiles. After dismantling one of the league’s top defenses on Friday night, Durant was asked in the postgame press conference about his earliest basketball memories — and one hilarious moment with his father took center stage.
Durant, now 36, recalled the last time his dad beat him in a one-on-one game.
“I was in seventh grade. I was 11 years old, in the driveway. After he scored the final point and I locked him out the house. That was the last time. 20-something years ago.”
Kevin Durant talking about the last time his dad beat him in a 1 on 1 😭😭 i love kd man pic.twitter.com/MvaTUqSX6j
— ⛤ (@PlayoffBook_) March 22, 2025
It’s a classic moment of youthful frustration — and foreshadowing. Little did his dad know, the kid he beat in the driveway that day would grow into one of the greatest scorers the NBA has ever seen. Durant has made a career out of getting payback in the best way possible: through dominance on the hardwood, night in and night out.
That was on full display Friday as Durant dropped 42 points, six rebounds, and eight assists on 17-of-29 shooting (4-of-9 from deep) to lead the Suns to a 123-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His performance marked his second 40-point game this season, making him just the fourth player in NBA history to record multiple 40-point games in their 17th season or later, joining LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Durant’s legendary scoring consistency was even more impressive considering he did it against Evan Mobley, the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. In 4 minutes and 42 seconds matched directly with Mobley, Durant torched him for 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including two threes. It was a masterclass, a reminder that age hasn’t slowed down Durant’s offensive brilliance.
But the real full-circle moment comes when you think back to that day in the driveway. That 11-year-old who couldn’t believe his dad hit the game-winner now casually drops 40 against the best defenders in the world — and still remembers that loss.
Locking his dad out of the house might’ve been petty, but it lit a fire that clearly still burns.
Durant’s Suns, now 34-37, are tied with the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th and final play-in spot in the West. With Durant in rhythm and Devin Booker complementing him well, the Suns are finding their form just in time. KD is averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 52.8% shooting this season, proving that even in his 17th year, he’s still one of the most dangerous players in basketball.
As for his dad?
There might not be any more driveway rematches, but it’s safe to say Durant got his payback — and then some.
From that final point in Maryland to now lighting up NBA defenses with historic scoring feats, Kevin Durant has been proving himself ever since. And he still remembers who gave him his last L — even if it came over 20 years ago.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
