Kevin Durant's post-up game continues to grow

His latest weapon originates from the left block.

Against the Nuggets, it started with a post-up against guard J.R. Smith. Durant gave Smith a bump, dribbled once, turned over his right shoulder, rose and swished a smooth jump shot. Durant then duplicated the quick move against Arron Afflalo.

It marked the makings of Durant's post-up game.

“It's coming along well, I think,” Durant said.

The move Durant displayed against Denver is one he took from Boston forward Kevin Garnett. It's Garnett's footwork from the baseline and his nearly indefensible high release that Durant wants to incorporate.

When Durant gets it down pat, it could have a wide-ranging effect on the Thunder's offensive attack. Durant, for one, could become an even more efficient scorer through getting higher-percentage shots from in close. As Durant blossoms on the block, the Thunder will find it's a more reliable means of scoring compared to what is currently primarily a jump-shooting squad. And with Durant already commanding double teams, his passing out of the post to spot-up shooters and cutters should create more open shots.

“Every year, you're going to see improved post play out of him,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. “He's going to get stronger and smarter … But you can just see the confidence grows each time he goes down there. We have to do a better job of finding him more opportunities throughout the game.”

Brooks wants to see Durant develop a countermove to the one turnaround jumper he's already becoming deadly with. Durant said an up-and-under is the natural counter to his turnaround. But Durant added that his height and length make it virtually impossible for defenders to stop his turnaround.