Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is no stranger to stirring the pot on social media, and his latest response has fans buzzing. The 15-time NBA All-Star fired a pointed rebuttal to former teammate and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins after Perkins made a bold claim regarding the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2012 NBA Finals appearance.
Perkins, who played for the Thunder from 2010 to 2015, recently appeared on the popular podcast Road Trippin’, where he asserted, “The Oklahoma City Thunder never went to the NBA Finals until Kendrick Perkins arrived on that team.” This statement implies that Perkins was the pivotal force behind OKC’s only Finals run in franchise history.
Durant, known for his sharp and candid takes on X (formerly Twitter), wasn’t having it. He responded to Perkins’ boast with a subtle yet powerful jab: “The actual real MVP.” Durant’s response made it clear that he views himself—not Perkins—as the true driving force behind that Thunder team’s success.
Durant’s role with the Thunder was monumental. After being drafted by the Seattle Supersonics, who relocated and became the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant quickly emerged as the franchise cornerstone. Over nine seasons, he transformed OKC into a powerhouse, reaching the 2012 NBA Finals alongside MVP-caliber teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The trio’s combined talent was undeniably the main catalyst for the team’s deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, Perkins’ impact, though valuable as a defensive anchor and veteran presence, was widely seen as supportive rather than transformative. As the Thunder now make headlines with their strong playoff push—currently up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves—Durant’s legacy with the team remains in the spotlight.
Durant’s journey since leaving OKC has been eventful, with stints at the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and now the Suns. Despite Phoenix’s recent disappointing 36-46 season and being the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference, Durant has continued to post impressive numbers, averaging 26.6 points per game over 62 appearances this year.
While Perkins has moved on to a broadcasting career, Durant’s response reaffirms who truly defined the Thunder’s 2012 Finals era. With trade rumors swirling around Durant and the Suns’ future uncertain, this latest exchange adds yet another dramatic chapter to his storied NBA career.
