21-point deficits and never-before-seen box scores on the Denver Nuggets’ side might’ve had the Phoenix Suns on the ropes, but if the last 17 seasons have proven anything, it’s that a fighting chance always remains under Kevin Durant’s supervision. Undaunted by the sight of multiple bigs awaiting his pick-and-roll decision, Durant leaves Aaron Gordon in the dust, rejecting a screen with a shifty crossover that eliminates two sizable defenders. Finding the game’s “difficulty” slightly lowered with only 6-foot-4 Jamal Murray left to overcome, Durant showcases get-a-bucket expertise, euro-stepping across the metaphorical globe for an around-the-rim reverse jam. Even Denver’s adversarial crowd couldn’t help audibly supporting Phoenix's four-time scoring champion on March 7, 2025, as he created the plays needed — including a game-tying 3-pointer at regulation’s end — to force a 21-point comeback. Only 10 days removed from playing in 2024-25’s highest-scoring regular-season game, Durant, even in a loss, relished the opportunity for something similar with a 29-point performance (on 10-of-19 shooting), alongside nine rebounds, five assists, and three 3-pointers. · Mar 8, 2025