Brighter star: Thunder's Durant reaches new highs

BY Staff Reports
Saturday, February 02, 2013
2/02/13 at 6:58 AM

Kevin Durant's offensive prowess is well-known around the NBA. But this season, and particularly in the month of January, Durant has taken his game to another level.

From his career-best 52 points on Jan. 18, to his increased offensive efficiency, the three-time reigning scoring champ is getting even better.

Below is a look at how he's improved on greatness.

He's in elite company

Kevin Durant has won the past three scoring titles. A win this season puts him in territory reached by only two others.

Consecutive Scoring Titles

7 Michael Jordan (1986-93)

Wilt Chamberlain (1959-66)

3 Kevin Durant (2009-12)

Michael Jordan (1995-98)

George Gervin (1997-80)

Bob McAdoo (1973-76)

Neil Johnston (1952-55)

George Mikan (1948-51)

Banner month

Kevin Durant's scoring average of 31.6 in January of this season makes it his best scoring month since January 2010. His shooting percentage of 52.9 is his best since February 2009*.

Below is a look at his game-by-game scoring in January.

* Minimum 10 games played in a month

The 52-point game

Durant set a new career high with 52 points in an overtime win at Dallas. He made all 21 of his free-throw attempts, in addition to grabbing 9 rebounds. It was the second-best free-throw shooting game in NBA history.

The scoring race

A look at the NBA scoring race, through Friday's games.

1. Kevin Durant, Thunder 29.6

2. Carmelo Anthony , Knicks 29.0

3. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 27.9

Bird's-eye view

Durant is on pace to become just the second player in NBA history (Larry Bird) to average 28-plus points while shooting better than 50 percent from the field, 90 percent from the free-throw line and 40 percent from the 3-point line.
Original Print Headline: Brighter Star

By the numbers

51.9	Durant’s shooting percentage this season. His previous season best was 49.6 (last season).
4.5	Durant’s assists per game. His previous high (last season): 3.5.
18.4	Shots attempted per game, the lowest since his rookie season.
91.0	Durant’s free-throw shooting percentage, first in the league and a career-best.

Associated Images:

Kevin Durant. Associated Press photo

Larry Bird. Associated Press photo