Kevin Durant is one of those basketball players who thrives on his desire to win. That competitiveness has seen him win the league MVP along with two NBA championships. In the off season, his drive does not seem to stop as he continues to play in pick-up games here and there.
In the early days of his career, he once went to Rucker Park, New York, and scored an unheard-of number of points. That time, he was allegedly forced to leave the area as opponents were not too happy. However, the Phoenix Suns star refuted the claim and suggested it was all in good spirit.
An NBA superstar scoring a lot of points against random opponents in a pick-up game is not something that is unheard of. However, Durant also faced a situation where he was embarrassed by a casual hooper. Comedian Donnell Rawlings was on Club Shay Shay and recalled how one such game played out.
Kevin Durant bringing the ball up right? So, he tried to dribble the ball between my legs. I don’t know what happened, I stole the ball, right? Man, I picked Kevin Durant’s pocket. And I’m going down the court and I was like, if I try to go all the way to the basket, Imma double dribble, something stupid. So, I pulled up at the three.
Donnell Rawlings
.@KDTrey5 Embarrassed By Ashy Larry On Basketball Court – @DonnellRawlings Breaks Down Story
“I pulled up with the 3. BOOM. Y’all saw how I did it. Right? But when I pulled up. I pulled up in slow motion because I wanted the moment to be forever.” pic.twitter.com/jgQ9GqyJl1
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) January 19, 2025
Donnel Rawlings made his career playing ‘Ashy Larry’ alongside Dave Chappelle. But to him, this moment was one of his crowning achievements. He went on to reveal to host Shannon Sharpe a bit more on how he went on to shoot the ball. But footage of that game suggests it was not as dramatic as he claims to be.
Kevin Durant and his Suns are heating up at the right time
After starting the season 9-2, the Phoenix Suns then went on a worrying 7-17 run. Since then, head coach Mike Budenholzer benched Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. This was to help the team spread the floor out in a better way. That move seems to have paid off since.
Durant and Devin Booker have since spearheaded the Suns to a 5-1 record. Admittedly, they beat three of the worst teams in the league. But they also won twice against two solid Eastern Conference playoff teams and looked comfortable.
They are heating up at the right time as they have a lot to do if they want to get back into the playoff spots. This run has helped them get back into the play in spots, but for Kevin Durant and his teammates, that is not enough.
The West is clogged with good teams and if they are to stand a chance in the playoffs, they need to climb the ladder. They do not want another repeat of last season’s first round exit. Therefore, this new iteration might work in their favor. If at all they feel the need of a change, Jimmy Butler is waiting for a trade.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
