KD 1-on-1: What Keeps Him Going at 35, Ignoring Haters and More

DENVER — An eight-point overtime eruption by Kevin Durant on Tuesday night led the short-handed Phoenix Suns past the red-hot Denver Nuggets on the road, demonstrating the 14-time All-Star can still lead and carry a team at the age of 35.

"I just love this game," Durant told Bleacher Report in an exclusive interview. "I love the challenges, the obstacles that come with it. I enjoy the process."

With Devin Booker sidelined due to a right ankle sprain, Durant was in attack mode all evening. He wasn't having the most efficient night, but he went a perfect 3-of-3 in the extra five-minute period to seal the 117-107 victory and helped snap a two-game losing skid.

In 44 minutes, Durant tallied 35 points on 14-of-34 shooting to pair with eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

He tells Bleacher Report that his passion to play this game and compete has never wavered.

"I just enjoy getting up every day to do this s--t," Durant told B/R. "There are going to be days where it's a struggle, and there have been great days. I could be doing a lot of other s--t with my life. I'm talented at this s--t, and I enjoy being talented. I enjoy the camaraderie and the brotherhood that comes with this game. It's that simple."

When it comes to an elite work ethic, Durant is the gold standard. His workout techniques and the time he puts in are well-known throughout the league. He's as efficient as they come, averaging 27.9 points per game on 52.4 percent shooting from the field and a 42.0 percent shooting mark from beyond the arc on the season.

He credits his love for the game as part of his motivation. But he also believes he has an obligation to maximize his talent because while he was growing up in Prince George's County in Maryland, there was a community of individuals that steered him away from the streets and pushed him to keep his focus and energy on hoops.

"Man, I could be anywhere else if this s--t didn't go right. I'm so lucky that it went right," Durant said. "I had people that was there to keep me on the right path as a kid. It could have went a lot of different ways. I just be grateful for that type of s--t when I get older. I'm forever grateful for that support."

He holds one of the most decorated resumes, as it includes two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, a regular-season MVP and three Olympic gold medals, to highlight a few accomplishments.

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And yet still, there are those who continue to question his will to compete by virtue of where he has decided to play during his career. It's a false narrative that baffles the 7-foot small forward.

"I understand people are always going to question what I do, but if you're not in the building with me watching how I prepare for this game, I don't really care about your opinion," Durant said. "My focus is on who I'm working with and who's in the building. I can't concern myself with what people say or think. I know people need s--t to talk about. I know what I bring to the game, and I'm going to keep working towards getting better and helping my team win games. All that other s--t doesn't matter."

The Suns are 36-26 and sixth in the Western Conference standings, one slot above the play-in field. With 20 games remaining on the schedule, the Suns hope Booker can come back soon and continue building chemistry and cohesion before the playoffs begin.

Durant is ready for the challenge.

"I believe in this team, and we believe in one another. Yes, playing with Brad [Beal] and Book is new, but as far as the game itself, I have seen everything in this league. Everything has been thrown at me. I just want to see us continue to grow as a unit. I like our chemistry. Not just the three of us, but our whole team.

"I think we're starting to build something and form an identity. And that takes time and reps. Our coaching staff is doing a great job. I'm not promising anything, but I like our chances against anybody."