After one ejection in ten years in the NBA, Kevin Durant has been tossed five times this season, much to the confusion of some.
Durant himself has a very simple explanation — after winning his first NBA championship, he really wants a second.
“It’s just my emotions and passion for the game,” Durant said Friday, via ESPN’s Chris Haynes. “After winning that championship, I learned that much hadn’t changed. I thought it would fill a certain [void]. It didn’t. That’s when I realized in the offseason that the only thing that matters is this game and how much work you put into it. Everything else off the court, social media, perception, isn’t important. What people say, how they view you, it’s not important. What we did as a team was special, and I want to experience that again. My love and passion for the game has [blossomed] because I understand that’s what it’s all about, and I’m pouring all of this [newfound thirst] into this game. But I know I have to keep [my fire] under control, and I will.”
Durant admitted that questions about his temperament have bothered him at times.
“It’s just a part of the evolution that I’m going through,” Durant said. “I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect. I don’t have all the answers. It will probably take the offseason for me to assess, ‘OK, let’s figure out how to tone this down a little.’ But I’m comfortable sharing this because all I care about is that,” he said, gesturing to the practice court.
“I love this game, and I’m going to do whatever I can to help my team get back to where we were last year. That’s what I’m excited for. That’s why you’re seeing this passion from me. Before, I used to care about the game and the lifestyle. Now, all I care about is my love for the game, the pureness of the game. This is me.”
Durant has offered explanations for his most recent ejection as well. He seems to believe that he can keep it under control when he needs to.
