Kevin Durant can shoot most anytime he wants to, and nobody credible will utter a discouraging word. Durant worked hard for that privilege. He earned it.
But sometimes, Durant doesn't have to shoot to impact a game. Same with Russell Westbrook, his long-time sidekick who also can create a shot, often a good one, upon demand.
Which explains Thursday night, when Durant and Westbrook took the court and didn't feast on the Hawks. Durant and Westbrook served the feast.
Durant had four assists before he took his first shot. He had five assists in the first 7:12 of the game.