1. “It’s not just about the dunk, it’s the impact you make when you land.”
2. “Defense is my canvas, and I’m the artist.”
3. “Rebounds win games.”
4. “For me, it’s all about protecting the rim.”
5. “Every block feels like a statement.”
6. “Dunking is an art form. You’ve got to get creative.”
7. “Never underestimate the power of a double-double.”
8. “A well-timed alley-oop is poetry in motion.”
9. “Switching on defense is more mental than physical.”
10. “Big men can do more than just stand in the paint.”
11. “I don’t just play for the fans; I play for the team.”
12. “Strength matters, but agility is underrated.”
13. “Every rebound is a piece of the puzzle.”
14. “Winning requires more than just scoring.”
15. “Communication on defense can make or break a game.”
16. “You’ve got to own the paint.”
17. “It’s a physical game, but it’s also a mental game.”
18. “Being a big man is a mindset, not just a position.”
19. “You can’t teach hustle.”
20. “From tip-off to buzzer, it’s all about consistency.”
21. “A good screen can be as valuable as a points scored.”
22. “Every game is a new challenge.”
23. “Energy on the court is infectious.”
24. “The game is faster, but it’s all about how you adapt.”
25. “I’m always working to improve my shot.”
26. “Getting in the right position is half the battle.”
27. “You have to see the play before it happens.”
28. “Teamwork makes those highlight plays possible.”
29. “A big block can change the momentum.”
30. “Versatility is a big man’s best asset.”
31. “Dunks get the crowd going, but defense wins championships.”
32. “It’s about making the right play, not the flashy one.”
33. “A solid pick opens up so many possibilities.”
34. “The quickness of your second jump can’t be overlooked.”
35. “You’ve got to master the basics before you can succeed.”
36. “Every drill in practice prepares you for the real thing.”
37. “A game can be won or lost in the paint.”
38. “Hustle turns mistakes into opportunities.”
39. “Every possession counts.”
40. “Blocking a shot is as satisfying as making one.”
41. “Knowing where your teammates are makes all the difference.”
42. “Physicality doesn’t mean fouling; it means presence.”
43. “You can’t sag off even for a second.”
44. “It’s about heart and hustle.”
45. “The paint is my home; I protect it.”
46. “A good defense fuels a good offense.”
47. “Anticipation is key to a good defensive play.”
48. “I feed off the energy of the crowd.”
49. “The more you communicate, the better your defense.”
50. “Never be satisfied; always strive to be better.”
DeAndre Jordan Chats with Kevin Durant: Dunking, Dream Teams, and Daily Rituals
Kevin Durant: Yo, DeAndre! What’s good, man?
DeAndre Jordan: Hey KD! Just living, loving, and dunking, man. You know how it is. What’s up with you?
Kevin Durant: Same old, same old. Been working on my shot, trying to stay sharp. Speaking of dunks, what’s your all-time favorite dunk, DJ?
DeAndre Jordan: Oooh. That’s a tough one! But I think I’d have to go with my dunk over Brandon Knight back in 2013. Sorry, Brandon, but that one just felt so good!
Kevin Durant: (Laughs) Man, that was insane! I remember watching that and thinking, “That guy is a beast!”
DeAndre Jordan: Appreciate that, KD! You’ve had some pretty epic moments yourself. Which one stands out for you?
Kevin Durant: Gotta say winning the Finals MVP in 2017. That was a dream come true. But one of my favorite moments was when we were teammates on the gold-medal-winning 2016 Olympic team. Man, what a squad!
DeAndre Jordan: For sure! That team was stacked. Speaking of squads, if you could assemble your dream starting five from any players in history, who would you pick?
Kevin Durant: Oh man, that’s a great question. Let’s see… I’d go with Magic Johnson at point guard, Michael Jordan and LeBron James on the wings, Tim Duncan at power forward, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the paint. What about you?
DeAndre Jordan: That’s a solid lineup! I’d probably go with Steph Curry at point guard for his shooting, Kobe Bryant for his killer instinct, LeBron for his versatility, Kevin Garnett for his intensity, and of course, Shaquille O’Neal down low for his dominance.
Kevin Durant: Nice! I like the mix of shooters and big men. So, what’s your pre-game ritual? Anything unique you do to get hyped?
DeAndre Jordan: I like to keep it simple but effective. I meditate to clear my mind, listen to some hype music – usually a mix of hip-hop and a bit of old-school R&B – and I always eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s my good luck charm!
Kevin Durant: (Laughs) PB&J, huh? Solid choice. I’ll have to try that sometime. Alright, DJ, gotta head to practice but always good talking to you, man.
DeAndre Jordan: Same here, KD! Let’s catch up again soon. Take it easy, bro.
Kevin Durant: You too, man. Keep dunking!
DeAndre Jordan: Always!
