Durant’s double-double streak ends: Thunder F Kevin Durant has said he’s been focusing on his rebounding more this season at the request of his coach Scott Brooks. "That's something that coach wants me to do," Durant told The Oklahoman before Monday’s game against Portland. "He said I can get 10 a game, so I'm just going to try to go out there and get 10 and play as hard as I can on both ends of the floor." He entered the game riding a five-game double-double streak, snaring 10-plus boards in each game. Monday, however, that streak came to an end, as he grabbed only seven rebounds in the Thunder’s 111-107 overtime win. Durant did lead the team with 33 points on 15 of 33 shooting while adding five assists a steal and a block in the game. (Updated 02/07/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 2/12/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Durant entered the season averaging 6.3 rebounds per game over his previous four NBA seasons, so it’s not like the seven rebounds on Monday are disappointing result. The 23-year-old has registered 10 double-doubles this season -- 14th most in the NBA -- and is on pace to surpass his career high of 25 despite the lockout-shortened campaign. Durant is still scoring at an elite clip with increased efficiency while upping his all-around game, so continue to view him as a must-start Fantasy option in all formats. (Updated 02/07/2012).
02/11/2012 01:30 Westbrook, Thunder topple Jazz
Russell Westbrook scored 28 points and Kevin Durant had 19 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Utah Jazz 101-87 on Friday night.
02/10/2012 01:48 Kings step up at home, defeat Thunder
Tyreke Evans scored 22 points, DeMarcus Cousins had 19 points and nine rebounds and the Sacramento Kings rallied to beat Oklahoma City 106-101 on Thursday night, dropping the Thunder to second overall in the NBA.
02/09/2012 02:40 Courtside Seat: Looking back to look forward
As the season progresses, you might start looking at your Fantasy team and wonder who was most worthy of your selection. Our Jamey Eisenberg examines how the Top 12 players drafted are performing so far in different leagues in his Courtside Seat.
02/08/2012 01:26 Thunder prevail despite Ellis' 48 points
Kevin Durant hit a go-ahead bank shot with 14.2 seconds remaining, and the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder overcame career performances by Monta Ellis and David Lee to beat the Golden State Warriors 119-116 on Tuesday night.
02/07/2012 01:15 Questionable call helps OKC prevail
Kevin Durant had 33 points, including a dunk with 2.9 seconds left in overtime, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 111-107 on Monday night.
One of the NBA’s most exciting young players, the 23-year-old Durant did not live up to lofty expectations last year. That said, Fantasy owners who took him among the first three picks still got a top Fantasy option with his 27.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals, one block and almost two 3-pointers per game. While most of those numbers came in below what he put up in 2009-10 as a 21-year-old, Durant also had to learn to share with Russell Westbrook, who blossomed last season. Durant should become a little more take-charge this year as he and Westbrook figure out how to co-exist and get the best out of their distinctive abilities. There is no doubt that Durant will once again be among the game’s and Fantasy’s best. Owners should still have lofty expectations and consider taking him with one of the first few selections on Draft Day. (Updated 8/28/11)
