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The Art of Scoring, KD Style: Delve into Kevin Durant's incredible 2018 season with the Golden State Warriors, where his unparalleled shot-making, from mid-range magic to thunderous dunks, redefined scoring in the NBA.

By Basquiavito

January 9, 2024

Let's talk about a season that still has us shook: Kevin Durant's 2018 championship run with the Golden State Warriors. This wasn't just any season; it was a showcase of KD's insane scoring arsenal. Sit back, because we're about to break down how KD turned the hardwood into his own personal canvas.

The Bread and Butter: Jump Shots

KD's jump shot? Silky smooth. In 2018, he made 186 out of 486 attempts. Yeah, that's a 38.3% success rate, which might not sound like much until you consider the volume and the difficulty. We're talking about a 7-footer with the grace of a guard, launching from all over the court. These weren't your grandma's jump shots; these were contested, off-balance, how-did-he-even-see-the-basket shots.

The Mid-Range Maestro: Pullup Jumpers

Pullup jumpers? More like KD's secret weapon. With a 55.3% success rate (147 out of 266), Durant was a nightmare for defenders. Picture this: KD dribbling up, a defender in his grill, and then, in one fluid motion, he rises up for a jumper. Nothing but net. It's art, folks.

Top Shot-types in 2018
Type	Made	Attempted	Percentage
Jump Shot	186	486	38.3%
Pullup Jump Shot	147	266	55.3%
Fadeaway Jump Shot	24	47	51.1%
Driving Layup	26	43	60.5%
Layup Shot	17	41	41.5%
Turnaround Fadeaway	27	41	65.9%
Step Back J	12	31	38.7%
Dunk Shot	23	28	82.1%

Old School with a Twist: Fadeaway Jumpers

KD's fadeaway jump shots were like watching a classic movie with modern special effects – 24 makes out of 47 attempts, netting a cool 51.1%. Whether it was a fadeaway from the baseline or the elbow, KD made it look effortless. It's the kind of move that made defenders think, "I played perfect D, and he still scored. What am I supposed to do?".

At the Rim: Driving Layups and Dunks

Now, let's talk about Durant's work at the rim. His driving layup stats were off the charts – 26 makes on 43 attempts, boasting a 60.5% success rate. And dunks? KD slammed down 23 of 28 attempts. That's an eye-popping 82.1% success rate. Durant's dunks weren't just about power; they were about grace, timing, and, let's be honest, a little bit of showmanship.

The Crafty Ones: Layup Shots and Turnaround Fadeaways

KD's layup shots and turnaround fadeaways were like watching a master chess player. He had 17 layup shots at a 41.5% rate and 27 turnaround fadeaways with a jaw-dropping 65.9% success rate. It's like KD had a cheat code for scoring in the paint.

The Icing on the Cake: Step Back Js

Last but not least, the step back jumper. KD drained 12 out of 31, which is a 38.7% success rate. While not his most efficient shot, it was the one that made the crowd go wild. It was the kind of move that said, "I can score anytime, anywhere, and there's nothing you can do about it."

KD's 2018 Season: A Scoring Odyssey

In 2018, Kevin Durant wasn't just playing basketball; he was painting a masterpiece, one shot at a time. From mid-range assassinations to rim-rattling dunks, KD showed the world what it means to be an all-around scorer. As Hooperos readers, you know we've seen some greats, but KD's 2018 season? It was something special, a blend of artistry, athleticism, and an unquenchable thirst to score.

So, next time you're watching highlights of KD's 2018 season, remember this: you're not just watching basketball. You're watching a master at work, a player who took the art of scoring to a whole new level. And that, my friends, is why we love this game. Keep ballin', KD. We're all just lucky to witness it. 🏀🔥

This feature is a celebration of Kevin Durant's 2018 season with the Golden State Warriors, a tribute to the diverse and efficient shot selection that helped crown them champions. For more deep dives into the art of basketball, stay tuned to Hooperos.