Phoenix Suns star
Kevin Durant appreciated the love from his former team, the
Golden State Warriors fans, during the inaugural All-Star game on Sunday night. As he led Shaquille O’Neal’s OGs, which defeated Candace Parker’s Rising Stars, Durant was able to grab four rebounds and assist on three buckets but had no significant impact on scoring. He finished both games with a combined four points on 3-of-9 shooting, while the homeboy Steph Curry earned the MVP title.
Kevin Durant addressed the love he receives from the Golden State Warriors fans
Kevin Durant appreciated the love he receives from his former team Golden State Warriors fans in an interview with Joe Lacob just before the tipoff as the crowd cheered.
“I always feel the love from the fans in the Bay Area. I never thought for a second that I ain’t get no love out here. I heard people saying that I might not have felt that love or that I didn’t know it was this much love. But everywhere I go, all over the world, the country, there’s Warriors fans, and they show me love.” He said.
“So of course I heard it. Especially Oracle, this is my home. You know what I’m saying? A lot of great memories here in the Bay Area. So we have a tight relationship, the fans and myself.” He added as the crowd cheered for his game.
Durant's return to the Bay Area for All-Star Weekend came with emotions, speculation, and nostalgia. Once a pivotal member of the Golden State Warriors' lineup, the Phoenix Suns forward had earlier acknowledged that his presence would stir mixed reactions among fans. He had hoped the focus would remain only on basketball.
His tenure with the Warriors saw three consecutive Finals appearances and two championships, yet his departure for Brooklyn Nets in 2019 left Warrior fans in shock & dismay.
That tension resurfaced when reports emerged that Durant had vetoed a trade sending him back to Golden State. Instead, the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. When asked if he was approached for a return to the Warriors, Durant denied.
On the court for the All-Star Game, Durant reunited with former teammates Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Curry, as always, stole the show for the OGs, draining half-court shots with the ease of a layup. Asked if he ever gets tired of watching Curry’s heroics, Durant fired back, "Do you?"
The All-Star Game offered a brief pause from trade rumors, debates, and narratives. Durant knew opinions about him would never be unanimous, but he had hoped fans would separate the game from the drama.
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