Kevin Durant says Simone Biles inspires him to 'keep tweeting'

Kevin Durant has never shied away from engaging in back-and-forth conversations with strangers on social media (even using burner accounts). The Suns star has often defended his excessive social media activity by suggesting that he enjoys the discourse with fans. 

More than anything, Durant has used social media to defend his honor against slander from critics. It turns out, fellow Team USA athlete Simone Biles played a part in Durant utilizing that strategy. 

Biles endured a lot of vitriol on social media for her decision to pull out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics citing mental health issues. Throughout the ordeal, Biles remained unafraid to tell the world how she truly felt, inspiring Durant to remain his unapologetic self. After watching Biles in action at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Durant told The Athletic that the gymnastics legend inspired him to "keep tweeting" after he observed her fearlessly tackle her critics three years ago.  

"For her to continue to come out and showcase the brilliance every day, and also let people know that they sound crazy talking against her? To be able to do both is inspiring," Durant said of Biles. "So yeah, she's inspired me to keep tweeting and keep doing what I do on the court too."

While Biles' Paris Olympics campaign is done, Durant is two wins away from clinching a record fourth Olympic gold medal. Durant's Team USA will take on Serbia in Thursday's semifinal with the winner facing either Germany or France in Saturday's gold-medal match.