While not the first matchup with LeBron, Kevin Durant’s December 2009 encounter with the King showed he could score with the best of the league.
Durant really emerged in Oklahoma City during his second and third years in the league, boosting his point average to All-Star levels in each. Durant showed out this game against his idol, dunking as hard as LeBron did and scoring at will. KD ended the game with 29 points to James’ 44, but this game ignited the rivalry between the two for years to come.
Kevin Durant rocked his first signature sneaker the Nike KD 1 in this game. This sneaker was incredibly budget friendly at $88. This also meant that technology wasn’t the best, with just a Zoom Air unit in the forefoot for added responsiveness. The synthetic leather upper and XDR outsole made the shoe outdoor friendly, with extra durable for street ball.
The ‘Home’ colorway Kevin rocked in this matchup can be found here. Other colorways of the Nike KD 1 at StockX and GOAT.
Cover image via The Oklahoman
