Leading up to last night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant had gone 29 straight games scoring 25 or more points.  Durant had 17 points at halftime, and it looked like he was going to extend his impressive scoring streak to 30 games.  The Spurs’ pesky Manu Ginobli came out in the second half and played some tough defense on Durant, including an impressive block on a two-handed, fast break dunk Durant attempted late in the 4th quarter.  That block was a key play in the game, and it took all of the momentum from the Thunder, who ended up losing 95-87.  Durant went scoreless in the final quarter and his long scoring streak came to an end.  He finished the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.  The streak is a franchise record and the third longest streak of 25+ points by a forward in NBA history.  It is also the longest streak since Michael Jordan’s 40 game streak in 1986-87.  During the 29-game streak, the Thunder went 20-9 and Durant shot 51% from the field and averaged 32.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks.  This was a really impressive streak that Durant had going, especially when you consider the fact that he is only 21-years-old and it is only his third year in the NBA.

Kevin Durant has been impressive in the NBA ever since he stepped on to the court as a rookie two seasons ago, but he has taken his game to another level this season.  Durant is currently the leading scorer in the NBA, averaging 29.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, while shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three.  Durant is also on a very impressive scoring streak, scoring 25+ points in 29 consecutive games.  It is the second longest streak in 35 years, with Michael Jordan the only player to have a longer streak of games with 25+ points (40) in the 1986-87 season.  Durant is not only putting up some great individual stats but he is also leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a lot of victories.  Their record is at 33-22, which is currently the 6th best record in a loaded Western Conference and only 3.5 games back of their division lead.  Considering the Thunder went 23-59 last season, it shows they are one of the most improved teams in the league and Durant is the main reason why.  The Thunder had one 9 straight games before losing 104-102 last night against the Suns, where Durant put up 36 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.  Durant has put himself up at the “elite” status in the NBA this season, amongst guys like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.

Jeff Green has been having a decent season for the Oklahoma City Thunder this year, but he has struggled with his outside shot.  After shooting a career high 45% from the field and 39% from three last season, he is only hitting 43% from the field and an ice-cold 29% from three-point land.  Green is an active and athletic player, and is averaging 14.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 steals.  His point-per-game average is down 2.5 points from last season though, and his poor outside shooting is the reason why.  Green does a lot of things well for the Thunder and is third on the team in scoring (behind Durant and Westbrook), but if he could find some more consistency with his outside shot it will help spread the defense and make things a lot easier for Kevin Durant.  Durant often has to put so much of the scoring burden on himself, and if he has an off night the Thunder are almost guaranteed to lose.  If he could just get a little more help from guys like Green it could help the Thunder take the next step and get themselves into the playoffs.

Kevin Durant has been a scoring machine all season long, but he has really been on fire as of late.  This season, Durant is averaging 28.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 48% from the field and 33% from three.  Well, in the last 10 games Durant is shooting a blistering 57% from the field and 44% from three, while averaging 32.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks.  The Thunder are 8-2 during Durant’s current hot streak and they have improved their record from 13-14 on December 23rd, to 21-16 today.  Durant has been putting up MVP caliber numbers, and if he can keep the Thunder in their winning ways you will definitely see them making some noise come playoff time.

James Harden got off to a slow start for the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite being the number three pick in the NBA draft.  Harden has been coming into his own as of late though, and has scored in double figures 6 of last 9 games after failing to do so in his first 11 games.  Harden has a good knowledge of the game, especially for a rookie.  See where he ranks amongst the other rookies here at my list for the Top Rookies in the NBA so far.