Durant 'appreciates greatness' of fellow Marylanders Phelps, Ledecky

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Maryland is known for its coastlines, blue crabs, and ... dominant Rio Olympians?

USA Basketball forward Kevin Durant, who hails from the state, couldn't be happier about the success of fellow Marylanders representing the red, white, and blue at the Summer Games.

On Tuesday night, the superstar hooper - who's playing in his second Olympics - cheered on Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky as they topped the podium in the 4x200m freestyle relay and 200m freestyle, respectively.

"We're all from the same state - and we're over in Rio," he told Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports. "You're from Maryland, a small state, and we've got to stick together, man. Seeing Katie and just knowing that she comes from the same area I come from. ... Just to see that (is unreal). I've always been proud to be from Maryland, but it just took it to another level when I saw those two win gold medals."

While the new Golden State Warriors man is a megastar in his own right, he's also a sports fan. As such, he admires other athletes, like Phelps.

Related: The many faces of Durant while rooting for Phelps

"You put your ego to the side, man, when you're watching greatness," he said. "You can appreciate greatness, especially at this stage, being an Olympian. You just don't get this (any other time). I can't just say, 'Oh, I'm going to watch Michael Phelps go win the gold.' People can come watch us play 82 nights a year (during the NBA season), but we can't just go watch Michael Phelps win a gold medal. I've always been a fan (of his)."