With basketball legend Oscar Robertson watching from courtside Friday night in Sacramento, Kevin Durant was suitably inspired for a big game.
In 1961-62, Robertson notched 41 triple-doubles during an entire season and showed players like Durant something about versatility.
Durant came close Friday night with 29 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in the Thunder’s 103-92 victory over the Kings, keeping them one-half game from the Spurs for the best record in the Western Conference.
”I’ve been flirting all season with it but I haven’t been able to seal the deal yet,” Durant told the Associated Press about his near triple-double. ”Hopefully I will get one before my career is over. Oscar Robertson is a legend, someone I really look up to. It was a joy playing in front of him tonight.”
Thunder coach Scott Brooks raved about Durant’s importance to the team after the game.
”We all know that Kevin can score,” Brooks told the AP. ”But he has to continue making his teammates better. He definitely did that tonight with seven assists. He’s a very unselfish basketball player.”
In the process, Durant led Friday’s Studs and Duds of the top performers across the association.
STUDS
Oklahoma City F Kevin Durant: Filled the stat sheet for 29 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and was plus-13 in the Thunder’s victory at Sacramento.
Atlanta G Joe Johnson: Tallied 30 points, five rebounds, six assists, two steals and was a game-high plus-15 in the Hawks’ triumph over the Celtics.
San Antonio F Tim Duncan: Went for 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks and was a game-high plus-26 in the Spurs’ convincing victory over the Lakers.
Charlotte G Gerald Henderson: Produced 32 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in the Bobcats’ loss to Memphis.
Boston G Avery Bradley: Notched 28 points, three assists and four steals in the Celtics’ loss at the Hawks.
DUDS
Charlotte G Kemba Walker: Clanked through a 5-for-15 shooting night with seven turnovers in the Bobcats’ loss to Memphis, their 19th consecutive loss.
Memphis G Tony Allen: Missed all three shots, had four turnovers and was minus-6 in the Grizzlies’ victory at Charlotte.
Atlanta G Tracy McGrady: Missed both shots, had five turnovers and was minus-1 in the Hawks’ victory over Boston.
Memphis F Marreese Speights: Went 2 for 8 from the field with three turnovers in the Grizzlies’ victory at Charlotte.
New York F Carmelo Anthony: Struggled through a 5-for-13 shooting effort with four turnovers and was minus-11 in the Knicks’ loss at Charlotte.