The Detroit Pistons secured a road victory against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, with Kevin Durant offering high praise for Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, as reported by Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.
Durant, a future Hall of Famer, expressed confidence in Cunningham’s potential to reach new heights this season. “I think it’s his year to be an All-Star, take off and go to that next level. It’s always a joy to play against him because we compete,” Durant said.
“He doesn’t treat me like the old head and take it easy on me and vice versa. I don’t try to take it easy on him.” Durant highlighted the competitiveness between them, emphasizing how both players push each other to elevate their games without holding back.
Cunningham, who recently secured a maximum rookie scale extension, responded with gratitude for Durant’s words of encouragement. “It’s an honor, man,” Cunningham said. “Every time. I tell (Durant) every time we play each other, it’s an honor to be able to compete with him.”
He further expressed admiration for Durant’s work ethic and his impact on the game, adding, “He’s such a basketball junkie. I’ve gotten the chance to work out with him, see what he’s like in the offseason and how he works. It’s an honor to be able to play against him, somebody that I’ve watched as a kid.”
Cunningham’s respect for Durant goes beyond just their on-court rivalry, as he continues to be inspired by the way Durant approaches the game.
Central Notes: Cunningham, Lillard, Toppin, Buzelis https://t.co/F4HCm6ep68 pic.twitter.com/XAOQUETjEx
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