Golden State Warriors laud Kevin Durant after Game 1 win over Houston Rockets
Thursday 31 October 2019 14:52, UK
Kevin Durant was lauded by his teammates and coach after maintaining his 'unstoppable' form in the Golden State Warriors' Game 1 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
Having ended the Warriors' opening-round victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with scores of 45 and 50 points, Durant maintained his form to lead the reigning champions to a vital win.
His 35 points on 11-25 shooting ensure he went past 30 for a fifth straight game, and that the Warriors clung on for a 104-100 victory over the team that pushed them to seven games in last year's Western Conference Finals.
"Kevin's run these last couple weeks has just been off the charts," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.
"I've said it a few times this week - he's the most skilled basketball player on earth. There's never been anybody like him - 6-11, handles the ball, shoots three, passes, defends, he's just an unbelievable talent.
"Kevin can get his own shot any time he wants. It what makes him so impossible to guard. He understands what we need from him and he's been delivering game after game."
Despite the extreme level of talent that surrounds him on the Warriors' roster, Durant is currently standing out among fellow All-Stars Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
"He's playing great right now," said Green, who had 14 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in the win.
"He's been extremely aggressive and when he's being aggressive as he's being, I don't think there's anyone in the NBA, maybe the world, that can stop him, so when he's being aggressive like that, that's a challenge for the opposing team."
While appreciating Durant's offensive play, Curry was keen to point out that his fellow former MVP has been producing a high level at both ends of the floor.
"He's been amazing," Curry said. "He's been so aggressive on the offensive end, finding his matchups, taking his shots.
"Defensively he's been present. He's been playing with ultimate confidence. I know he always has confidence but it seems it's been amped up a little bit the last five games."
Durant insists that it's his approach to the game, rather than the impressive numbers, that he's looking to maintain for Game 2 on Tuesday night.
"I've learnt a lot so far as a player up until this point, so I think I'm starting to put everything together out there on both sides of the ball," Durant said.
"I'm not looking at points or shots that I get up, it's just how focused I am on each possession.
"I liked everything about the game. It was a fun game. Just playing hard every possession, I think if we continue to do that and have that approach every night we're in solid shape."
Game 2 takes place in Oakland in the early hours of Wednesday morning (3:30am) live on Sky Sports Arena.
