You know how LeBron James said he was jealous of the amount of shots Kevin Durant takes? Maybe he should really be jealous of how many shots Durant makes.
Durant went for a career-high 54 points on Friday night in a 127-121 win over the Golden State Warriors. He made 19 shots on 28 attempts including 5-of-9 from 3-point range. He also was 11-of-13 from the free throw line.
Durant was just superb throughout the game. He made shots in isolation, on catch-and-shoots, and when he was coming off screens. Most of the damage he did from the right side of the court, where he hardly missed a shot. Here was his shot chart via NBA.com:
Durant’s 54-point game is the high mark for the NBA this season. He surpassed the previous mark of 48, which he set twice (Jan. 4 and Jan. 7). Durant’s previous career high was 52 points. This was his third career 50-point game. The Thunder are 2-1 in his big games, which happen to coincide with running mate Russell Westbrook being out with an injury.
Durant’s huge game led to some great tweets, none better than the one sent by teammate Nick Collison:
57 is the number. Ive always said whenever @KDTrey5 and I combine for 57 we have a great shot to win.
— Nick Collison (@nickcollison4) January 18, 2014
Russell Westbrook sent a good one too:
54 piece nugget with a side large fries .with extra salt ..lol .. STAY HOTT @KDTrey5 #MVP…. And I want a shake too lol
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) January 18, 2014
And the Warriors had to send their recognition:
After a performance like that, we have to give it up for KD. 54 points on 19-for-28 shooting.
Kevin Durant #NBABallot
— Golden St. Warriors (@warriors) January 18, 2014
Stats via Point Forward Pro
