TITLE: Northwest Roundup: Durant Praises Holmgren, SGA Reflects on CP3, Murray Finally an All-Star, Lillard Stays Cautious
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Houston forward Kevin Durant said Thunder center Chet Holmgren shares his relentless drive for excellence, a trait that has helped the second-year big man reach his first NBA All-Star Game on Sunday.
“He wants to be great. It’s that simple,” Durant told The Oklahoman. “Every time he approaches his work, it’s that mentality.”
Holmgren acknowledged that chasing individual numbers can hurt both personal growth and team performance. “When you try to force your way to things that aren’t a win, it usually hurts your team—and a lot of times you don’t end up winning,” he said. “I still think I have to be aggressive, but it has to be within making the right play.”
SGA credits Chris Paul after point guard’s retirement
During Saturday’s All-Star media availability, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the influence of Chris Paul, who announced his retirement Friday after being waived by Toronto. The two spent the 2019-20 season together in Oklahoma City.
“Chris was special for my career,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He was the first person I was around to really take care of his body and show me the importance of the weight room… He was the standard for a point guard.” The Thunder star added that Paul is now “one of my closest friends” and said he hopes to someday “master the game of basketball” the way Paul did.
Nuggets greats say Murray’s All-Star nod long overdue
Hall of Famers Alex English and Dan Issel believe Jamal Murray should have been selected to the midseason showcase years ago. “He should have been an All-Star before now,” Issel told The Denver Post. “Part of the explanation is that he’s playing with the greatest player on the planet, and that sometimes usurps what a great player he is.”
Nikola Jokić said he hopes to finish his career alongside Murray. “I would love it, just because it’s so good when you know who you’re playing with,” the two-time MVP said. “He cannot really surprise me. I know what he can do.”
Lillard wins third three-point crown, stays patient on Achilles rehab
Damian Lillard captured his third three-point contest title in four years but said the victory will not accelerate his return from a torn Achilles. “If this was five years ago, I probably would have won this competition and been like, ‘I think I can get out there and go,’” the Trail Blazers guard said. “But I’m at an age and time of my life where I recognize those emotions are not in my best interest.”
The veteran reiterated that he will stick to his recovery timetable despite the weekend triumph.
Source: Hoops Rumors
