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In a much-anticipated reunion on the NBA court, LeBron James and Kevin Durant faced off for the first time since Christmas Day in 2018. Although this was just a preseason game, the excitement among fans was palpable, as this matchup had been five years in the making.
KD enthusiasts and LeBron critics found even more reason to celebrate when Durant lit up the first half with a dazzling performance, scoring an impressive 21 points. In the initial two quarters of Thursday's preseason game pitting the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns, Durant's brilliance was on full display.
He contributed 21 points, four rebounds, and two assists, showcasing his exceptional skills. His shooting accuracy was remarkable, with a 57.0% field goal percentage and a successful 2-for-3 from beyond the three-point line.
LeBron's Strong First Half
Meanwhile, LeBron James, often referred to as "The King," also had a commendable first half. He concluded the opening two quarters with 19 points, three rebounds, and two assists. LeBron's performance was marked by his versatility, shooting 6-for-11 from the floor, including a 3-for-5 record from beyond the three-point arc.
However, the buzz among fans primarily revolved around Kevin Durant's stellar performance, with many expressing their admiration for him over LeBron James. One fan even went as far as labeling LeBron as "LeMickey," sparking a heated debate among supporters.
Another fervent supporter claimed that KD unquestionably retains his status as the best small forward in the league, citing his outstanding display in the game as evidence. A different fan's comment was sure to rile up LeBron supporters, insinuating that LeBron had been avoiding matchups against Durant.
Of course, LeBron's loyal fans defended their idol, highlighting his longevity in the league by stating, "Literally competing with a dude in his 21st season, stop it." In the midst of this intense rivalry between KD and LeBron fans, one Lakers enthusiast took the opportunity to stand firmly in defense of his team.
As the game unfolded, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), erupted with reactions and memes celebrating Kevin Durant's first-half dominance, all of this despite the absence of notable players like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.