Kevin Durant: A Different Kind of NBA Star

A pack of reporters awaits him, but he remains embedded in Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, a book in the New Testament. He reads carefully in front of his locker for several minutes, marking favored passages with a light blue highlight pen.

Shortly after reading the command, "Find your strength in the Lord, in his mighty power," Kevin Durant closes his Bible and lifts his eyes to the reporters.

A different kind of NBA superstar is ready to talk.

"It helps me," Durant says of his daily Bible study. "Lifts me up. Encourages me."

He speaks in a near whisper. He talks about how much he admires his mother, Wanda. He makes sure to say how lucky he is to earn $17 million to play basketball.

He appears allergic to bragging. He downplays his team's might, taking special care to underestimate himself.

But, please, don't make the mistake of following his example. As the Denver Nuggets prepare to battle the Thunder in a best-of-seven first-round playoff series, they should brace for bombardment from Durant.

He's ready to introduce himself as a transcendent, season-altering player, but requires playoff victories to cement his stature. Durant has played in only six playoff games in his four-season career.

He remains a relative secret. He's a peaceful jump shooter in a league dominated by howling dunkers. He goes out of his way to blend in with his teammates. He's remarkably tranquil.

Thunder center Kendrick Perkins laughs as he considers Durant's low profile.

"Because he's so quiet and humble, people underestimate him," Perkins says. "People out there don't know how good he really is."

Perkins' smile widens.

"And I like that. I don't want everyone to know how good he is. That way, he can surprise them."