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Durant: 'I didn't really know how to play team defense' until recently

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Kevin Durant is one of the great offensive talents the NBA has ever seen, but he also has the physical tools to be an elite defender, which is something he feels he's beginning to figure out within a team system.

"I use my length," said the Golden State Warriors forward who owns a 7-foot-5 wingspan, according to Mark Medina of The Mercury News. "A couple years ago, I didn't really know how to play team defense that well. More and more, I'm learning about team defense and making multiple efforts. I'm able to get my hand on basketballs."

Durant fit seamlessly into Golden State's fluid, switch-happy defense, and his increased awareness, coupled with more time at center, produced a career-high 1.6 blocks in his first season with the Warriors. He's looking to build on that this year, and has already swatted away 11 shots through the team's first two games.

"I want to be one of the best defenders in the league," Durant said after recording a career-high seven blocks in Friday's come-from-behind win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Warriors forward Draymond Green - the reigning Defensive Player of the Year - thinks his teammate has the ability, but won't ever be recognized as such.

"He'll never get credit for that," Green said, according to Medina. "His offense is too pretty to ever get credit for that."

Durant insists he doesn't care whether his defense is appreciated or not, so long as he feels he's doing it right.

"All-Defensive teams, that's on you guys," he said. "I don't really know. I'm trying to go out there and play. I'll let that stuff take care of it. I'd love to be on there, don't get me wrong. But I'm not stressing it."

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