Kevin Durant: Kobe Lakers Moment Shaped Rockets Star

Kevin Durant replayed a rookie lesson: facing Kobe Bryant when Kobe scored 47 and hit the game-winner, a moment that made Durant say, "Yeah, he's a different machine. That's what I want to be in this league." Now 37, Durant is still an elite scorer at 26.1 points per game and looks primed to lead the Houston Rockets into a deep playoff push. Merlin sees the full circle. The kid who stood in awe became the veteran rookies study, and Durant’s craft and ice in late moments give the Rockets a real ceiling. Longevity and nightly scoring are his magic; health and roster help will determine whether that magic turns into a championship run.