(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns entered the season as the team to beat in the Western Conference and for great reasons.
Even with the Denver Nuggets being the reigning NBA champions, facing a team that was supposed to have Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant on the court was simply scary.
And while their record hasn’t reflected that just yet — mostly because of Booker’s and Beal’s injuries — Durant has been at his best.
That’s why Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren was in awe of the fact that Durant is currently knocking down 54% of his three-point attempts despite most of those being pull-ups (via Bleacher Report).
Chet taking note of KD shooting 54% from beyond the arc this season
(via @ChetHolmgren) pic.twitter.com/IwsicgWwY7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2023
Holmgren isn’t doing so bad himself in his first season in the league.
The Gonzaga product missed his rookie campaign with a foot injury, but he made the most of that spare time to watch tape and hit the gym, and it clearly shows.
Thus far, he’s averaging 17.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.1 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers per game on 56/46/90, being well on pace to become the first-ever rookie to crack the exclusive 50/40/90 club in NBA history.
Needless to say, he must be watching a ton of Durant tape, as he can add some of his moves to his own repertoire to make the most of his length and ability to pull up and shoot over every single player on Earth — perhaps except for Victor Wembanyama.
Holmgren should run away with Rookie of the Year if he keeps this up, becoming the first OKC player to do it since… you guessed it, Kevin Durant.
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