Kevin Durant, one of the biggest names in recent NBA history, is currently leading the Phoenix Suns, who have a 15-14 record after their victory against the Denver Nuggets. Following the victory on Christmas Day, Kevin Durant lavished high praise on Nikola Jokic in a post-game interview, declaring him a top-10 player of all time who made a 25-point contribution to the Nuggets’ score.
Nikola Jokic has been amazing this season, averaging 30.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. In this game, he scored 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, but the Nuggets lost because they struggled with their team depth.
Kevin Durant led the Suns to a 110-100 win with 27 points and recognized Jokic’s great skills and influence on the game. He said, “They probably have the best player in the world and a Top 10 player of all time, Nikola Jokic. That’s why we had to fight, and I like the way we finished.”
Kevin Durant calls Nikola Jokic a “Top 10” player of all time. pic.twitter.com/KDlhCwUXmj
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) December 26, 2024
Kevin Durant also reflected on the special Christmas Day game, expressing his gratitude. He said, “You see so many young players around the league today. It was an amazing day for basketball. I’m grateful I was able to play today on this great day, entertain the fans, and get a win at home. I’m grateful.”
Kevin Durant wants fans to stay invested amid NBA ratings decline
After the Phoenix Suns’ win over the Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day, Kevin Durant addressed the decline in NBA viewership. He said, “We know the fans hate 3s, but we generated a lot of them just from getting into the paint and kicking them out.”
Reports show that NBA viewership dropped 28% this season, according to ESPN. Durant hopes the five close games on Christmas will bring more fans back.
Kevin Durant on the decline in NBA viewership:
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 26, 2024
"I take this serious. I'm locked in as to why people don't want to watch us play."
via @DuaneRankin pic.twitter.com/3RryZChnRL
He continued, “Hopefully, it’s not just because it’s Christmas. Hopefully they stay invested in the game and invested in each player and each team throughout the rest of the season, not just the playoffs or the finals. Games in January, I want to see the viewership get back up.”
