15 Smooth Shots That Capture KD’s Scoring Elegance
These stunning photos showcase Kevin Durant’s unmatched finesse and effortless ability to put the ball in the basket.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Kevin Durant isn’t just a scorer. He’s a master craftsman of the midrange and from the arc. With a wingspan like a pterodactyl and the fluidity of a ballet dancer, his game blends art with dominance. These 15 breathtaking photos reveal how KD makes scoring look like poetry in motion.
1. The One-Legged Fadeaway
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
KD leans back on one foot, arms fully extended, the ball sailing over a helpless defender. His posture is picture-perfect — pure balance and rhythm.
2. Midrange Pull-Up in Traffic
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Sandwiched by defenders, KD elevates calmly, eyes locked on the rim. The photo freezes the moment just before release, and the crowd’s reaction says it all — they know it’s going in.
3. Transition Stop-and-Pop
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
On a full-speed break, KD plants, stops on a dime, and pulls up from 17 feet. The defender flies past in a blur while KD stays poised. The ball’s already on its arc as he’s still coming down.
4. Deep Three from the Logo
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Caught mid-launch from just inside half court, his form doesn’t break. No hesitation, no wasted motion — just clean, confident range. You can almost hear the silence before the swish.
5. Turnaround Jumper Over a Double Team
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With two defenders closing in, KD spins baseline and rises with flawless form. His release is too high to challenge, and the photo locks in that untouchable moment.
6. Smooth Catch-and-Shoot in the Corner
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Off a sharp pass, KD rises in one fluid motion, with no dip and no extra steps. The defender’s too late, and the net’s already reacting.
7. Fast-Break Dunk with Grace
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
He’s in full sprint but finishes with an elegant two-step glide and a soft slam. The shot catches his limbs extended like a swan mid-flight.
8. Step-Back at the Elbow
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
He lulls his defender with a hesitation dribble, then rockets backward into a clean jumper. The photo captures his high release mid-air, leaving the opponent off-balance.
9. Iso Jumper with Zero Space
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
KD stands almost chest-to-chest with his defender, yet somehow elevates into a flawless jumper. The ball clears fingertips by inches, frozen perfectly on its way up.
10. Baseline Floater off One Foot
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
With barely a runway, he lifts off one leg and gently tosses it up with perfect touch. The frame shows the ball in midair, arcing over stretched arms.
11. Left-Handed Scoop Layup in Traffic
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Going against the grain, KD flips it up with his off-hand between two collapsing defenders. The ball kisses the glass softly, his eyes never leaving the rim.
12. Crossover into Pull-Up Three
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
A quick right-to-left shake leaves his man stumbling, and he pops up from the arc. The form is effortless, the release a pure act of muscle memory.
13. Off-Balance Fade with Contact
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
He absorbs the bump, tilts backward, and still launches a perfect high-arcing shot. The moment is all angles and balance—shot under duress, yet graceful. Pure KD.
14. Midair Adjustment Around the Rim
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
In the air, he redirects mid-jump and adjusts his release to avoid the block. The photo captures the improvisation mid-flight.
15. Final Seconds Game-Winner
Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Clock winding down, KD rises above the defense for a smooth, confident dagger. The shot is still airborne as the buzzer lights flash. It’s calm under chaos — vintage Durant.