Throughout the years, countless players have showcased their extraordinary talents on the basketball court, but only a select few can be truly regarded as all-time greats. While most fans tend to agree on a core group of five players who stand out above the rest, the tier just below them is often more fluid, with opinions varying widely.
One player who has certainly earned his place in the conversation is Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant. With a storied career filled with individual accolades and championship success, Durant’s impact on the game is unquestionable.
However, in a recent post-game interview, he shifted the focus from his own legacy to recognize another player making waves in the NBA: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
After a hard-fought 110-100 victory over the Nuggets on Christmas Day, Durant took a moment to address Jokic’s standing in the league. “We just wanted to bounce back, play harder and better. [The Nuggets] are a physical team; they have arguably the best player in the world, a top-10 player of all time in Jokic, so the work was cut out for us, but I liked how we finished it,” Durant stated.
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This acknowledgment from Durant comes after the Suns experienced a disappointing defeat against Jokic and the Nuggets in their previous matchup.
With star player Devin Booker sidelined, Durant stepped up admirably, leading the Suns with 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists over 38 minutes of play. His performance was crucial in helping his team secure the much-needed victory.
Despite the loss, Jokic put forth a valiant effort, recording a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds—yet it wasn’t enough to outmatch the Suns on this occasion. Even in defeat, Durant made it clear that he holds Jokic in high regard, emphasizing that the Denver center deserves a place in discussions surrounding the greatest players in NBA history.
Durant’s comments highlight not only his respect for Jokic’s skills and contributions to the game but also suggest that debates about the all-time greats are far from settled.
As both players continue to compete at an elite level, fans can expect their legacies to evolve and intertwine in the coming seasons, further enriching the conversation about greatness in the NBA.
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