Kevin Durant did it again as the Golden State Warriors secured the Game 1 win over the fourth seeded Houston Rockets.
The reigning back-to-back Finals MVP is riding a rich vein of form and the Warriors are cashing in on the unstoppable momentum.
Durant ended the first game of the second round with 35 points on 11-25 shooting from the floor, with 15 points coming in the third quarter as the Warriors pushed out to a seven point lead.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was quick to praise his superstar forward following the game and was asked about his recent run.
"Kevin's run these past couple of weeks has just been off the charts," Kerr said.
"I've said it a few times this week, he's the most skilled basketball player on earth. He's one of the most skilled basketball players to ever play the game.
"There's never been anybody like him. Six-eleven, handles the ball, shoots threes, passes, defends. He's just an unbelievable talent.
"After we lost Game 2 to the Clippers I think he just felt like he had to turn it up and lift us up another level and that's exactly what he has done."
Reporter: "Have you seen anything like what Kevin Durant has been doing in the last four games?"
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) April 28, 2019
Warriors' Steve Kerr: "There's this guy, Michael... something. I can't remember his last name." pic.twitter.com/aUHrXnVJDz
Over his past five games, Durant's numbers are mind-boggling. He simply cannot be stopped on the offensive end as he gets to wherever he wants to go and drains what feels like every shot he puts up.
His numbers over the past five outings read as such: 201 points on 66-121 shooting from the field (54.5%), 18-45 3PT (40%), 51-56 FT (91%). His impressive shooting displays go along with 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.
The offensive outburst sees Durant join LeBron James, Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan as the only players to score 200 points in a five-game span over the past 30 postseasons.
Houston will have their hands full trying to contain one of the games greatest scorers for the remainder of the series, especially when Durant is putting it all together on both ends of the floor.
“I think I’m starting to put everything together out there on both sides of the ball.”
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 28, 2019
- Kevin Durant following his fifth straight 30+ point #NBAPlayoffs game pic.twitter.com/JLax82bxDb