Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns recently faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant shined in a phenomenal victory against his former team.
Considering KD’s history with the franchise, it was no surprise that he was showered with boos by OKC fans. The root of the Thunder fans’ hate for Durant is his betrayal back in 2016 when he joined the Golden State Warriors. The 34-year-old addressed the boos in the postgame interview.
“I mean, I understand it. I meant so much to this community, and just for me to leave like that, early on, I didn’t get it, but I get that an NBA team is a part of your community,” Durant said. “You’ve got players who transcend your community. You feel closer to them. So, I get it. I mean, it’s still emotions, it’s still some people who don’t like that I left this franchise. But it was more love this time than it has been in the past. So I was just focused on that.”
"I understand it. I meant so much to this community and just for me to leave like that. Early on, I didn't get it."
Kevin Durant on getting booed in return to OKC. Left for Golden State after 2015-16 season.
"There was more love this time than there has been in the past." #Suns pic.twitter.com/wukPAmFDWf
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 3, 2023
Kevin Durant will always remain one of the best players to ever play in the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Keeping that in mind, he will most likely get booed by fans every time he returns to play in OKC as well. It’s great that Durant has accepted that fact.
Loud boos for KD in OKC pic.twitter.com/fUPOucc2N8
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 2, 2023
Despite the hostile environment, Durant didn’t let it get to his game. He recorded 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while leading the Suns to a victory over the Thunder.
The Suns are now 43-35 and firmly hold the fourth seed in the Western Conference table ahead of the postseason.
Kevin Durant Wants Oklahoma City Thunder To Retire His Jersey
Kevin Durant spent the first nine seasons of his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. During his tenure with the team, KD may have failed to lead them to an NBA Championship, but he did lead them to an NBA Finals appearance and three Western Conference finals.
Apart from that, Durant gave fans many unforgettable moments to cherish forever. With that being said, the Slim Reaper believes he deserves to get his jersey retired by the franchise.
“OKC has to retire my jersey,” said Durant. “It wouldn’t even be good for the game of basketball if they didn’t. … Because I feel like I am basketball. I breathe it. This is my DNA. I put in the time and respect, and love for each one of these programs on and off the floor to get that type of recognition. If I don’t do it, then it’s personal.”
Durant did absolutely everything in his power to make the Thunder one of the best teams in the league during his stint.
Sure, many fans hate Durant for his betrayal in 2016, but they cannot deny the good things he did for the team and the city. Hopefully, when KD retires, his jersey will be retired by the organization.
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