How James Harden indirectly helped Kevin Durant become better passer

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During the 2011-12 season, Kevin Durant averaged a then career-high 3.5 assists per game.

Then, just before the start of the 2012-13 campaign, the Thunder traded Harden to Houston.

"When we traded James Harden, I had to step in and kind of play a different role and make sure everybody gets involved," Durant told reporters after practice on Wednesday. "And I was learning about defensive schemes and what teams were throwing out there.

"Just reading the offense ... it was great for me to get that teaching throughout the season and learn from my mistakes. It's made me a better passer and I'm looking forward to getting even better."

In 2012-13, Durant bumped his assist totals to 4.6 per game.

The following year, he dished out 5.5 assists per game.

The 2013-14 MVP racked up a career-high 14 assists against the Knicks on Tuesday night, and is now averaging a career-high 5.6 per game.

Does he enjoy passing as much as scoring?

"No. I'm not gonna say that," Durant said while laughing. "I love to score the ball. I love to find different ways to score. But I also like to find ways for my teammates to score. Maybe off of my aggresiveness, I can get somebody else an open shot.

"Just keep plugging away, keep getting better at it."

Drew Shiller is the co-host of Warriors Outsiders. Follow him on Twitter @DrewShiller

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