12 Photos That Show Kevin Durant Silencing the Doubters

These 12 moments prove that whenever Kevin Durant is questioned, he responds with greatness on the biggest stages.

Alyana Aguja
July 3, 2025
4 min read

12 Photos That Show Kevin Durant Silencing the Doubters — Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant’s career has been defined not just by accolades but by the constant need to prove himself — to fans, analysts, and even teammates. From early playoff heartbreaks to MVP campaigns and redemption arcs post-injury, he has authored moments that burn into basketball memory. Each photo here freezes time at the peak of his defiance, painting a portrait of a generational talent who thrives under pressure and silences his doubters not with words, but buckets.

1. 2017 NBA Finals Game 3 vs. Cavaliers – The Dagger Three Over LeBron

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Durant dribbles up the court, sizes up LeBron, and launches a cold-blooded three right in his face. The ball sinks clean, and the Warriors’ bench erupts as KD stands tall, emotionless, like he knew it was destiny. That shot didn’t just win the game — it won him the respect many had refused to give after his move to Golden State.

2. 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 vs. Bucks – The 49-Point Masterclass

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With Kyrie out and Harden hobbled, Durant carried Brooklyn on his back, playing all 48 minutes. One photo shows him launching a silky three as Giannis helplessly contests — it’s the image of a man refusing to bow. That night, he reminded the world why he’s one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball.

3. 2014 Western Conference Semifinals Game 6 vs. Clippers – “You the Real MVP” Season

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In a closeout game, Durant dropped 39 points and hit clutch buckets to shut the door on Chris Paul’s Clippers. There’s a photo of KD, arms raised, walking off the Staples Center floor, locked in but calm. That series win was personal — people had questioned if he could lead without Westbrook, and he answered emphatically.

4. 2012 Western Conference Finals Game 6 vs. Spurs – OKC’s Coming-of-Age Moment

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Durant exploded for 34 points as the Thunder ended San Antonio’s 20-game win streak and punched their Finals ticket. One snapshot captures KD, arms outstretched, the crowd roaring behind him — it’s the moment he went from star to certified killer. He silenced the narrative that OKC was still too young to win.

5. 2019 NBA Finals Game 5 vs. Raptors – The Achilles Game

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Despite nursing a calf injury, Durant returned in a must-win situation and scored 11 quick points before tragically rupturing his Achilles. There’s a haunting photo of him on the ground clutching his leg, but also one just before — drilling a deep three like he’d never left. In just 12 minutes, he showed heart, hunger, and the cost of greatness.

6. 2013 Western Conference First Round Game 3 vs. Rockets – No Westbrook, No Problem

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With Westbrook injured, Durant dropped 41 points to give OKC a commanding 3–0 lead. One photo freezes him mid-air, releasing a jumper with four defenders surrounding him — a picture of defiance. He didn’t care who was missing; he was there to win.

7. 2010 First Round Game 6 vs. Lakers – The Young Sniper Arrives

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KD put up 31 points as the Thunder forced the defending champs to the brink, shocking everyone. The photo shows him snarling after a big three, the youthful fire undeniable. It was his playoff breakout — proof that he belonged among the best.

8. 2022 Regular Season vs. Knicks – The Garden Silencer

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In Madison Square Garden, Durant scored 53 and delivered dagger after dagger, silencing the rowdy New York crowd. A memorable shot catches him holding his follow-through as Knicks fans grimace behind him. It was classic KD: cold, efficient, merciless.

9. 2018 NBA Finals Game 3 vs. Cavaliers – History Repeats Itself

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One year after his Game 3 dagger, Durant did it again — this time scoring 43, including another soul-snatching pull-up three over the Cavs. The image of him celebrating, arms wide as Cleveland slumps behind him, tells it all. He wasn’t just winning; he was owning the moment.

10. 2023 Regular Season Debut with Suns vs. Hornets – New Chapter, Same KD

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Coming off a trade and an injury, KD quietly put up 23 efficient points in his Suns debut. A photo captures him in the new threads, mid-fadeaway, as if nothing had changed. Critics questioned his longevity — he just went back to work.

11. 2016 Western Conference Finals Game 4 vs. Warriors – Fighting Fire with Fire

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With OKC up 2–1, Durant dropped 26 and locked in defensively to give them a 3–1 lead. A powerful shot shows him chest-to-chest with Draymond Green, unflinching and focused. He didn’t back down from the 73–9 juggernaut — he took the fight to them.

12. 2008 Rookie Season vs. Hawks – First Game-Winner

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Durant hit his first NBA game-winner in just his rookie year, a pull-up jumper that sealed the deal. The photo captures him being mobbed by teammates, a glimpse of the greatness to come. Even then, the clutch gene was obvious.