Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder said that he was only able to reach the levels he’s obtained in his career because of God.

“First off I’d like to thank God for changing my life [and] letting me really realize what life is all about. Basketball is just a platform in order for me to inspire people, and I realize that,” Durant said.

Durant spoke of his childhood growing up in suburbs of Washington, D.C. and that how it felt like they couldn’t get out because of the poverty and struggles faced by a single mother who gave birth to her first child at 18.

He spoke fondly if his mother who instilled a strong belief in God in her children.

“You made us believe, you kept us off the street, you put clothes on our backs, food on the table,” he said. “You went to sleep hungry. You sacrificed for us. You’re the real MVP.”