At first glance, Kevin Durant's two first-round games against the Dallas Mavericks might resemble the kind of performances he's had all season long.
He's averaged 25.5 points and eight boards in the two contests, and the Oklahoma City Thunder have clung to close victories both times.
A closer look suggests a few reasons for at least minor concern, however.
Durant is shooting just 34 percent so far in the postseason, including a dismal 5-17 Game 2 performance in which 14 of his 26 points came from the free-throw line. To his credit, Durant at least opted to draw some contact on a night when his shot wasn't falling.
Nevertheless, this isn't the Durant we've come to know, and it shows.
The Thunder should be winning far more convincingly at home. Instead, Oklahoma City has taken a 2-0 lead in the series by a combined four points. That's not the kind of dominance a second-seeded team hoped to display at home.
Something is missing.
That something might be the kind of intensity that guys like Kobe Bryant make such an integral part of their playoff identities.
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
One doesn't need to take a stand on who the better player isâ€"even the supremely talented Kevin Durant could learn a thing or two from a legend like Kobe. It's not about skills or technique but about the mental approach he takes to these kinds of games.
Sure, maybe Durant is just a bit introverted. But it's not as if Bryant is the most demonstrative guy in the league.
There's a difference between being quiet and being passive.
Too often, Durant just isn't playing with much of an edge.
He'll settle for shots when he could do better, and he'll settle for his teammates' mediocrity when he could demand more. There are times to be deferential, but there are also times to call for the ball and take a game over.
Durant isn't doing that, at least not at the moment.
Part of that is life with another prolific scorer like Russell Westbrook, but the other part of it may be that Durant is just too nice. His professionalism and modesty are virtues to be sureâ€"Bryant might have a few things to learn from Durant, too.
But, Durant shouldn't feel too guilty about being a little mean. This team might need that if it's to go all the way this time.
Otherwise, Kobe and his edge might have the upper hand should it come down to these two teams in the Western Conference Semifinals.
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