The Kevin Durant MVP Season Opener

Lore & Background

This season marked the culmination of years of development for the Oklahoma City franchise. Following a heartbreaking exit in the previous year, the Thunder returned with a renewed sense of purpose and an offense led by one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. The narrative of this era was built on the synergy between Durant's scoring prowess and Russell Westbrook's relentless energy, creating a team that could overwhelm opponents with athleticism and depth.

The MVP season opener is remembered not just for the score, but for the statement it made to the league: Oklahoma City had arrived as a true championship contender. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, fueled by years of waiting for the franchise to reach this pinnacle. Every game that followed seemed to carry the weight of this initial promise, with fans watching every possession knowing they were witnessing a historic individual performance unfold before their eyes.

Despite the regular season success and Durant's near-unanimous MVP award, the playoffs proved to be a different beast. The team faced stiff competition from the San Antonio Spurs in the Conference Finals, a series that highlighted both the brilliance of the Thunder's stars and the tactical mastery required to win a title. Ultimately, this era stands as a bittersweet chapter: a peak of individual achievement that set the stage for future changes.

Reader's Guide

The narrative of this season begins with the regular season opener against the Lakers, where the Thunder showcased their depth and scoring ability immediately. Durant's performance set a high bar, averaging over 30 points per game for much of the year. As the playoffs approached, the guide shifts to the Western Conference First Round against Houston. The series was defined by physical play and clutch three-pointers from role players like Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha, who stepped up when the stars were double-teamed.

The emotional context peaked in the Conference Semifinals against Memphis Grizzlies. This series is legendary for its intensity, featuring game-winning shots that kept Oklahoma City alive despite being down 3-2 at one point. Finally, the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio Spurs revealed the gap between a great regular season and a title run. While Durant scored heavily, the Spurs' balanced attack and defensive discipline proved too much, ending the MVP campaign in heartbreak but cementing the Thunder's status as elite.

Did You Know?

• Kevin Durant became the first player since Allen Iverson to score over 30 points per game for the entire season while leading the league in scoring efficiency.
• The 2013-14 Thunder team posted 59 regular-season wins, falling just short of the franchise record of 60 set the previous season.
• Durant's MVP award was near-unanimous, as he received 119 of 121 first-place votes.