(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant has become one of the better players in NBA history thanks to his silky-smooth game and dangerous shooting touch.
He has always been an efficient offensive player from all three levels, but his efficiency has seemingly only gotten better as he has gotten older.
This season, Durant shot 56.0 percent from the field overall, 40.4 percent from 3-point range, and 91.9 percent from the free throw line while averaging 29.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.4 blocked shots per game.
It made him the first player in league history to ever shoot 55 percent overall, 40 percent from downtown, and 90 percent from the charity stripe for an entire season.
Kevin Durant is the 1st 55-40-90 player in NBA history.
Durant 2022-23 | 56% FG | 40% 3P | 92% FT
Credit @StatsWilliams pic.twitter.com/SHmLvJnYFG
— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) April 10, 2023
Durant’s critics, of which there are many, would likely argue that this accomplishment is shaded because he only played in 47 games due to multiple injuries.
However, shooting 56.0 percent from the field for any extended stretch simply isn’t easy, even in this era of up-tempo, souped-up offenses.
He was traded to the Phoenix Suns two months ago after the Brooklyn Nets’ experiment with him and Kyrie Irving failed, and he revitalized what was then a stale team.
With him on board, they went on a seven-game winning streak near the end of the season, and had head coach Monty Williams not decided to sit his starters for the final two contests of the schedule, they may have ended it with a nine-game streak.
Phoenix will have a tough first-round playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, but if Durant continues his eye-popping efficiency, they could be headed to their second NBA Finals appearance in three seasons.
The post Kevin Durant Managed To Make Elite NBA History This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.