The U.S. men’s basketball team had a couple of rough games in the Rio Olympics before soundly beating Argentina in the quarterfinals. One of the players who has had some struggles, by his standards at least, is Kevin Durant. Durant was the focus of the offseason due to his move from Oklahoma City to Golden State, but his performance in Rio had left something to be desired – until the Argentina game, that is, where he notched 27 points and made seven three-pointers. What has been the secret to his turnaround? As the Warriors’ newest superstar told USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt, not caring.
Durant explained his state of mind before the Argentina game, saying, ““I told myself before I left my room, I’m at my best if I don’t care if we win or lose. It might be different for other players. But for me, I’m more free and aggressive, and it’s way more fun for me if I don’t care about the outcome. I know if I go out there and be who I am, the outcome will dictate itself.”
Whenever an athlete says they don’t care if they win or lose, it usually engenders quite a bit of ire and handwringing. However, Durant’s track record as a player is impeccable. If not caring about winning or losing has led Durant to the career he’s had, nobody can fault him for it.
(Via USA Today)
