When it comes to the end, athletes often take one of two paths. There are those that leave the game on their own terms, either winning a championship to cap off a career or departing just before their body breaks down and betrays them. Of course, there are those like Kevin Durant, who keep playing until the wheels fall off, for better or for worse.
Durant is part of an increasing trend of superstars playing well into their 30s and at times even their 40s. He joins the likes of Tom Brady, Lionel Messi, and LeBron James, who have found success and kept Father Time at bay. In fact, Durant remains very much in demand as the Houston Rockets went after him this offseason. And nine games in, he continues to leave everyone in awe.
The Rockets were playing catch-up against the Milwaukee Bucks for most of the game, but Durant’s stellar offensive night was instrumental in Houston’s come-from-behind victory. Durant was patient, calculated, and pretty much clutch as he did not miss a shot or a free throw attempt in the fourth quarter. Scoring wasn’t the only thing on his agenda in the final quarter, as the former Texas Longhorn made plays for his teammates and made the pass for Jabari Smith Jr. ‘s go-ahead basket.
On the season, Durant’s field goal percentage is currently a shade under 50 percent (49.7), which would be his lowest in nearly 15 years. But that by no means indicates that he is less lethal. Durant does not have to do the heavy lifting as Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, among others, have been contributing to Houston’s 6-3 start with steady offense and playmaking. Thus, Durant gets to pick his spots and conserve his energy for crunchtime, which is more often than not when the Rockets defer to him as he goes to work.
Being in a more balanced and potent lineup should also bode well for Durant’s health during the longer season. The 37-year old has not faced major injury problems since his right Achilles injury and a sprained MCL during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. However, Houston would prefer that he not put too much wear and tear on his body as they have plans to play well into June. And for the Rockets to be able to turn those aspirations into reality, they would need Durant at his best.
Not all athletes can write the ending to their own story and Kevin Durant is making sure only he can put the final touches to his storied career. There are nine NBA players in the 50-40-90 club, with Kevin Durant being the last NBA player to achieve the feat. At age 37, he remains close to doing it again for a third time and while there is a chance that he may have to choose between that and a chance to play in June, a certified hooper like Durant would simply want to win and let the results speak for themselves.
