Kevin Durant, now a superstar with the Phoenix Suns, joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016, not long ago when he played as a ‘Warrior.’ However, KD had no idea that he would be recounting those good old days at such a crucial time.
Recently, a fan took to X(formerly Twitter) and held Durant answerable for his quest. The enthusiastic fan asked him about who is the toughest playoff series he had ever faced. However, the NBA veteran reflected on what he considers his most challenging playoff series victory.
Durant revealed that the widely remembered 2011 series was not against the Memphis Grizzlies. He stated that it was actually the 2012 Western Conference Finals for the San Antonio Spurs. Durant recounted the intense journey his team faced during this series, as they found themselves down 0-2 against a Spurs squad that had won an impressive 20 consecutive games leading into the playoffs.
“2012 WCF, Spurs…against a team who won like 20 games n a row or some shit. Down 0-2, won 4 straight games to go to the finals…legendary series imo, especially that game 6,” KD replied to the tweet.
2012 wcf, spurs…against a team who won like 20 games n a row or some shit. Down 0-2, won 4 straight games to go to the finals…legendary series imo, especially that game 6 https://t.co/Wtz5qF1AL6
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 17, 2025
The Spurs were led by multiple Hall of Famers, including Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, alongside the emerging star Kawhi Leonard. In contrast, the Thunder was still maturing as a team, with a roster that included young talents like Durant and James Harden. Despite being seen as underdogs, the Thunder rallied, particularly as they fought to avoid repeating their previous year’s disappointing exit from the playoffs.
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Kevin Durant Looks Back On OKC’s Failed Trade
While the discussion was out about what could have been a few years back, Durant looked back into time about a pivotal moment from his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He talked about the trade that could have altered his career dramatically.
On the ‘Out The Mud’ podcast, Durant shared that the Thunder nearly landed Tyson Chandler during the 2009-10 season. Unfortunately, the deal fell through because of a failed medical exam related to Chandler’s toe. Durant expressed that missing out on Chandler was just as impactful for the team as losing James Harden in 2012. He also stressed that having Chandler could have put the Thunder in a strong position for immediate championship contention.
“We were supposed to get Tyson Chandler. We had traded for Tyson, a trade that went through the 2009-10 season. The doctor said something was wrong with his toe so we rescinded the trade and the next season, he won a title with Dallas. Imagine a lineup with Russ, you (Tony Allen), me, Serge, and Tyson Chandler? Then James coming off the bench? If we got Tyson Chandler at the center, come on bro. We would’ve been different with him at center,” he said.
Kevin Durant says the Thunder killing a trade for Tyson Chandler in 2009 after he failed the physical hurt them almost as much as losing James Harden did.
— Mavs Film Room 🐴🎥 (@MavsFilmRoom) January 17, 2025
A year later the Mavs traded for Tyson Chandler and beat the Thunder en route to winning the NBA Finals.
🎥: @OutTheMudTL pic.twitter.com/1DP3lz2TcQ
He noted that the Thunder would have been significantly tougher to beat. This was especially true when they faced the Mavericks in the 2011 Western Conference Finals.
Also Read: Kevin Durant Believes Nikola Jokic Is “Arguably” Among The Top Ten Players Of All Time
