Kevin Durant was inseparable with his late Aunt Pearl who passed away from lung cancer in 2000. His bond with her began at a young age and he loved spending time with his aunt watching movies, joking and laughing at his grandma’s house in Capitol Heights, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C.

Aunt Pearl had a unique ability to reach the sometimes shy Durant as a kid. Her memory lives on as KD keeps her spirit alive. “I made a promise to myself to always honor my Aunt Pearl for the example she set, and the encouragement she gave me to follow my dreams,” said Durant.