Kevin Durant praises Team USA's Paul Skenes after dominant WBC outing

The Houston Rockets star was impressed by the Pirates pitcher's performance against Mexico.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a crucial World Baseball Classic pool play matchup between Team USA and Mexico, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes delivered a dominant four-inning outing for the Americans, striking out seven batters and allowing just one hit. Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant took to social media to praise Skenes' performance, calling him a "dawg" - a compliment for the young pitcher's competitive spirit and talent.

Why it matters

Skenes' standout performance for Team USA in the WBC has further cemented his status as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. As a member of the small-market Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes' continued development and success could make him a valuable trade asset down the line, potentially allowing the Pirates to acquire top-tier talent to build a contender around him.

The details

In four innings of work against Mexico, Skenes allowed just one hit, walked one batter, and struck out seven. His overpowering stuff and poise on the mound caught the attention of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who tweeted his praise for the young Pirates pitcher. Skenes' dominant outing helped Team USA build an early 5-0 lead, though Mexico would later mount a comeback to make it a close game.

  • On Monday, March 10, 2026, Team USA faced Mexico in World Baseball Classic pool play action.
  • Skenes pitched four innings for Team USA, striking out seven batters.

The players

Paul Skenes

A rising star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes delivered a dominant outing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Kevin Durant

The superstar forward for the Houston Rockets, Durant took to social media to praise Skenes' performance for Team USA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Paul skenes is a dawg”

— Kevin Durant (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

If Skenes continues to excel for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, it could raise his trade value for the Pirates and lead to speculation about him being dealt to a contender in the future.

The takeaway

Skenes' dominant outing for Team USA has further cemented his status as one of the top young pitchers in baseball, drawing praise from NBA superstar Kevin Durant. As a member of the small-market Pirates, Skenes' continued development could make him a valuable trade asset down the line, potentially allowing Pittsburgh to build a contender around him.