NBA superstar Kevin Durant, generally known as the king of the pull-up jumper, found himself fascinated by LSU sophomore guard Mikaylah Williams’ performance during the Tigers’ 94-88 overtime win against Stanford.
The NBA superstar took to social media to tweet about Williams’ silky-smooth and efficient game, quote-tweeting a highlight reel of her standout moments with the words, “Everything pure.” The video showed Williams hooping in Durant-like fashion, with jab-step pull-ups, off-the-dribble three-pointers, and jumpers straight from the triple threat, all moves that cemented Durant as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Williams delivered a career-best performance, scoring a game-high 32 points on a scorching 12-of-18 shooting. Like Durant, her clutch gene was fully displayed as she sank the game-tying jumper with just 4.3 seconds left in regulation. In overtime, she knocked down a dagger three-pointer with 38 seconds remaining, effectively sealing LSUs victory. Williams also logged 42 tiring minutes and contributed nine rebounds to solidify her all-around dominance on both ends of the floor.
The sophomore guard followed up her career night with a reliable 16-point showing in LSUs controlling 100-54 win over Grambling State. In that matchup, she was one of three Tigers to hit double figures, with Aneesah Morrow leading the charge with 26 points and Flau’Jae Johnson adding 20.
Williams’ consistency and efficiency have been central to LSUs scorching start to the season, which has resulted in an undefeated 11-0 record. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey praised the Louisiana native for her on-court brilliance and her impact on the fan base.
“I took her out so the crowd could all acknowledge her. There was no frustration; thats just Mikaylah and her mannerisms,” Mulkey explained. “I just told her she needed to take a look around this arena. They’re here for her and what she means to this area of the state.”
Mulkey continued to commend Williams’ efficiency. “She shot it good. Shes had a great percentage… I thought she had a very solid game… But I didnt sense any frustration.”
Williams’ stats this season are a testament to her growth. Averaging 16.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game on 47 percent shooting, she has improved her scoring and efficiency since her freshman year, when she earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Her impact on the city stretches back to high school when she twice won Louisiana Miss Basketball and was named the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year.
As one of the best NBA scorers ever, Durant is no stranger to praising the women who share his passion for putting the ball in the bucket. He’s on record praising WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark for her game and previously shared that reigning New York Liberty champion Jonquel Jones is his favorite player.
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