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    Basketball - 'I wanted to destroy Kobe' says Durant

    OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 11: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to drive around Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 22, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. J Pat Carter/Getty Images/AFPOKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 11: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to drive around Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 22, 2016 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. J Pat Carter/Getty Images/AFP (AFP Photo/J Pat Carter)

    - Kevin Durant showed no mercy to Kobe Bryant in his penultimate game in the NBA on Monday as the Oklahoma City Thunder trounced the Los Angeles Lakers 112-79. Bryant, playing his final game on the road before he retires after Wednesday's home game at the Staples Center, was given a torrid send-off by the Thunder's star players. Durant, who finished with 34 points, said he had been motivated by the memory of Bryant's ruthless approach to Michael Jordan when the NBA icon was approaching retirement. "I remember when Michael Jordan was on his way out and Kobe didn't take it easy on him," Durant said. "That's all I was thinking. I was trying to destroy him every chance I got. Every time I got the ball, he was 'Come on. Let's see what you got.' That shows what type of player, what type of competitor he is. I just wanted to play against him one last time."


    AFP