Kevin Durant, at 36, continues to be a dominant force in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns. Can he lead them to championship glory?
Durant Defies Age, Continues MVP-Caliber Season
In what many predicted would be his decline phase, Kevin Durant is scripting one of the most remarkable late-career resurgences in NBA history. The Phoenix Suns forward, now 36, is averaging 27.4 points per game in the 2024-25 season while maintaining elite efficiency. As the Suns chase championship glory, Durant’s sustained excellence has become one of the league’s biggest talking points this season.
By the Numbers: Durant’s Stellar 2025 Campaign
The 2-time NBA champion continues to put up video game numbers:
- 27.4 PPG (6th in NBA) on 51.2% shooting
- 40.5% from three-point range
- 89.1% free throw accuracy
- 6.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists per game
According to NBA Advanced Stats, Durant ranks:
- Top-5 in fourth quarter scoring
- 3rd in clutch field goal percentage
- 1st among forwards in assists
Suns’ Championship Window: Open or Closing?
Phoenix’s “Big Three” of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal was assembled specifically to win now. However:
✔ Strengths:
- Elite half-court offense
- Veteran playoff experience
- Top-5 offensive rating
✖ Concerns:
- Defensive consistency
- Injury management
- Depth behind stars
“Health will determine how far we go,” Suns coach Frank Vogel told ESPN. “When we’re whole, we can beat anyone.”
The Durability Question
While Durant’s production remains elite, his health remains a factor:
- Missed 18 games this season (ankle/knee)
- Playing 32.1 minutes/night (career-low)
- Sitting back-to-backs
Team doctors confirm there are no major concerns, just “maintenance for the long haul.”
Historical Context: Where Durant Stands
The 13-time All-Star continues climbing record books:
1.Currently 8th on all-time scoring list
2.Could pass Shaq (6th) by season’s end
3.On pace for 10th straight 25+ PPG season
“KD’s longevity is unprecedented for a 7-footer,” noted TNT analyst Charles Barkley.
What Lies Ahead?
As the season progresses, key questions emerge:
- Contract Situation: $53M player option for 2025-26
- Legacy Chase: Needs 3rd ring to bolster GOAT case
- Retirement Plans: Has hinted at playing till 38
Expert Opinions Divided
Optimists (Like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith):
“Durant’s game ages like fine wine. He’s got 2-3 elite years left.”
Skeptics (Including FS1’s Nick Wright):
“The Suns’ title window is this year. After that, it gets tough.”
Final Take: Timeless Excellence
Kevin Durant’s 2025 season is rewriting narratives about athlete longevity. While championship success would cement this chapter of his career, his individual brilliance continues to astound. As the playoffs approach, Durant remains basketball’s most fascinating case study in sustained excellence.