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The NBA saw a year of history in 2016. The Warriors crushed the regular season with a 73-9 record. They looked like the most dominant force up until 4 games into the NBA finals. However, LeBron James pulled off the impossible. That gave birth to one of the biggest trades of the decade. Kevin Durant made his way to the Bay to create a dynasty. But his move came along with some big-time criticism. For Peyton Manning, he ruined the Slim Reaper’s ESPYs with one single joke.

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In 2017, the USA gymnastics team shattered the Olympic stage. Simone Biles had an unforgettable campaign winning 4 medals and setting a record for the USA. Her achievements met the reward as she won the best female athlete at the ESPYs. However, Manning used her to throw a thunderbolt at Durant.

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Now, after 5 years, the joke resurrected once again. Likewise, the 2014 MVP still can’t find the humor.

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Kevin Durant still hates Peyton’s joke

The USA gymnastics had captured the entire crowd. But Manning had his jokes all thought out. The world has seen Peyton’s genius on the football field. However, he had one throw in his pocket for KD at the ESPYs. He said looking at the dominance of USA gymnastics, Durant wanted to join them. But the Slim Reaper didn’t catch the humor.

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Years later, fans brought the moment back to Durant. And the Nets star still has the same feeling towards Manning’s shot. The 2 time NBA champ said: “If it was funny I would’ve laughed… it’s a simple concept.”

No wonder Durant didn’t like the joke about him. The Slim Reaper gave his all to OKC during his time there. Moreover, Draymond himself admitted the Warriors won’t be back on the stage without Kevin Durant. The four-time scoring champion became the anchor for the Bay getting over LeBron James.

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Over the two wins, KD won finals MVP in both the finals and even took home an award during the ESPYs in 2017. Despite all the hate, it is evident that without Durant, the Warriors won’t have a dynasty in the first place.

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Do you think Peyton Manning’s joke was funny? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by

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Anuj Talwalkar

4,479 Articles

Anuj Talwalkar is a senior NBA Newsbreak specialist at EssentiallySports, trusted for his real-time coverage and fast, accurate updates on league developments. With five NBA seasons and two Olympics coverages under his belt, Anuj stands out as the go-to reporter for the NBA Matchday Newsdesk. As part of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, he continuously refines his hard reporting with grounded storytelling shaped by fan culture and court-level insights. An economics graduate and lifelong OKC fan since the Supersonics era, Anuj combines analytical thinking and a genuine passion for basketball. He’s recognized for both his live news coverage and feature writing, with aspirations to someday interview Russell Westbrook. Anuj’s reporting is marked by its reliability, depth, and strong connection to the pulse of the NBA.

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Arunaditya Aima

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