Four years ago, Kevin Durant left the Warriors for the Nets the day after a ruptured Achilles tendon and a defeat in the NBA finals against the Raptors. Four years after this surprise departure, Durant moved from Brooklyn to Phoenix, and as curious as it may seem, he never played in front of the Warriors crowd again. Certainly, he walked the floor of the Chase Center and faced his former teammates. It was February 13, 2021. Except that we were in the middle of a pandemic and the match was played behind closed doors…
Obviously, after so many missed meetings due to injuries and the pandemic, the double NBA champion is just impatient to reunite with the Warriors audience, who has moved from Oakland to San Francisco since his departure. It will be Tuesday evening for the opening night of the regular season.
“There were some incredible moments”, remember the Suns winger 24 hours before the reunion. “We, the fans and I, have forged bonds that don’t even need to be recalled. I feel like they supported me long before I came here. Once I joined the Warriors, they went above and beyond to support me and my teammates. Each player feels individually what it’s like to play for the Warriors.”
“I have no doubt that he will be given a standing ovation on Tuesday evening”
With these statements, Durant makes sure to put his old audience in the pocket. Water has flowed under the bridge since his departure, and on the Golden State side, we are convinced that the public will give him a warm welcome. “Warriors fans are geeks and they love basketball. That’s why everyone here is aware of what Kevin meant to this franchise.” assures Steve Kerr. “I have no doubt that he will receive a standing ovation on Tuesday evening and that he will always be remembered as a player who played an important role in winning two titles. »
“This version of the Warriors was one of the best teams in basketball history”
The leaders have also planned a tribute video with the best of Durant during his victorious stint, certainly ending with a setback in the final against Toronto. For Klay Thompson, the Durant version of the Warriors was a team apart, which changed the face of the NBA.
” Absolutely ! » he replies. “When you add one MVP (Durant) to another (Curry), plus all the talent we had, it makes for a unique group. I think this version of the Warriors was one of the best teams in basketball history. No weaknesses, positionless basketball, versatile defense, shooters everywhere. It was great to be part of this team. I think that era really changed the direction of the game.”
