(Kevin) Durant was taking over the assignment of guarding Kobe Bryant.

While many have failed in their attempts to stop Bryant in the clutch, it was Durant’s defense – something he’s not known for – that sparked the Thunder’s come-from-behind 77-75 victory.

“People talk about how I score the ball, but they don’t look at me on the other end [of the court],” Durant said after the Thunder took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. “But on this whole playoff run I’ve been picking it up on the defensive end, just helping my teammates, trying to rebound, just try to get my hands on the basketball.

“It’s all about growing and getting better each day.”

via Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports