When Kevin Durant hit that now memorable three-pointer over LeBron James in Game 3 of the NBA Finals this past June, the NBA world froze in time.
The shot helped Golden State take what would be an insurmountable 3-0 series lead, eventually leading to Durant’s first NBA title. It was the Warriors second NBA Finals win in three tries against the Cleveland Cavaliers over the past three years.
Durant’s performance in the Finals was legendary. He averaged 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists en route to earning the MVP. For his part, James averaged a triple double with a split of 33.6/12.0/10.0. It really was a clash of the titans.
Now, in looking back at that epic performance, Durant had some rather interesting comments to GQ Magazine.
“That was the best moment I ever had,” Durant said. “I made the game-winning shot in the finals against my f—— idol. Somebody that I really, really, really followed since I was a ninth-grade high schooler. I felt like he was passing the torch to me.”
We’re pretty darn sure James might take exception to this. Sure his ego loves the fact that Durant called the King his idol. But “passing the torch?”
Hold on one darn second here. LeBron’s Finals appearance with the Cavaliers this past June was his seventh consecutive. Durant has two appearances and one title to his name.
LeBron has also earned three NBA titles, three NBA Finals MVPs and four regular season MVPs. Oh, and he’s the seventh-leading scorer in the history of the NBA.
Durant might very well earn a bunch more hardware as a member of the NBA’s version of the super team. He is just now hitting his prime. That’s fine. But maybe win more than one title before talking about LeBron “passing the torch” to you.