- NFL. Robert Griffin III celebrates wildly in the streets Jayden Daniels and the Commanders win over the Detroit Lions
- NFL. Lions' playoff hopes dashed by five costly turnovers against Commanders
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant found himself unexpectedly drawn into the NFL spotlight after Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrated a touchdown by imitating Durant's famous pregame warm-up routine. The playful gesture happened during the Lions' playoff clash against the Washington Commanders, and Durant didn't miss the opportunity to respond with humor.
Gibbs' tribute took center stage in the first quarter of the Lions-Commanders playoff matchup. After scoring a touchdown, Gibbs recreated Durant's iconic pregame moves, originally seen during Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals.
Related:
- Super Bowl 2025: date, time, halftime show and everything you need to know
- Where to watch the 2025 Super Bowl? TV channel and streaming where you can watch the game
- Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: Everything you need to know about Kendrick Lamar's show
- Super Bowl Winners List: All the teams that have won the Super Bowl by year
- Gatorade Color Super Bowl: Odds, history and more about the traditional Gatorade bath
Gibbs channels KD in a key playoff moment
That performance solidified Durant's legacy as he led the Golden State Warriors to a championship victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning Finals MVP honors.
Durant responded to the imitation with a lighthearted social media post, sparking engagement among fans of both the NBA and NFL. His reaction highlighted his sense of humor and the cross-sport influence of his career moments.
Although the Lions fell to the Commanders in a 45-31 upset, Gibbs' tribute gained significant attention, bridging the gap between football and basketball audiences. Durant, a native of Maryland and a long-time er of the Commanders, has often expressed pride in his local teams. Before a recent Suns game, Durant was seen wearing a jersey of Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., further cementing his connection to the team.
Durant's playful exchange with Gibbs serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his iconic career moments. It also highlights the power of sports in creating memorable and unexpected connections between athletes and fans.