We love you Mama Durant, but he really is the real MVP

Kevin Durant almost had the season of a lifetime last year. His Oklahoma City Thunder recovered from deficits in each of their first two playoff series, and had just the San Antonio Spurs to get through to challenge The Miami Heat for an NBA title. Durant himself won the NBA Scoring Title (easily), and was awarded his first NBA MVP award–highlighted by his now “You’re the real MVP” acceptance speech. Despite losing in the Western Conference Finals, Durant still had a hell of a season, which included breaking a long standing Michael Jordan scoring record. Still, his biggest regular season moment may have come in the following highlight. After forcing two overtime periods in a draining contest on the road against the Toronto Raptors–a darn good team in their own right–Kevin Durant finally decided to take matters into his own hands. Over the span of 82 games, Durant played splendid basketball, but it was this shot that eliminated any sliver of a doubt in the basketball minds of the MVP voters.

In celebration of his 26th birthday, let’s re-enjoy that moment.