Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant found himself unexpectedly drawn into the NFL spotlight after Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrated a touchdown by imitating Durant’s famous pregame warm-up routine. The playful gesture happened during the Lions‘ playoff clash against the Washington Commanders, and Durant didn’t miss the opportunity to respond with humor.
Gibbs‘ tribute took center stage in the first quarter of the Lions-Commanders playoff matchup. After scoring a touchdown, Gibbs recreated Durant’s iconic pregame moves, originally seen during Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals.
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That performance solidified Durant’s legacy as he led the Golden State Warriors to a championship victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning Finals MVP honors.
Durant responded to the imitation with a lighthearted social media post, sparking engagement among fans of both the NBA and NFL. His reaction highlighted his sense of humor and the cross-sport influence of his career moments.
Although the Lions fell to the Commanders in a 45-31 upset, Gibbs‘ tribute gained significant attention, bridging the gap between football and basketball audiences. Durant, a native of Maryland and a long-time supporter of the Commanders, has often expressed pride in his local teams. Before a recent Suns game, Durant was seen wearing a jersey of Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., further cementing his connection to the team.
Durant’s playful exchange with Gibbs serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his iconic career moments. It also highlights the power of sports in creating memorable and unexpected connections between athletes and fans.
