It’s been seven years since Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City but Thunder fans are still not happy about his controversial defection to Golden State back in 2016.
Durant was booed relentlessly during the Suns’ 128-118 win over the Thunder in OKC on Sunday, but KD says he’s at peace with it now.
“I understand it,” Durant said, via The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin. “I meant so much to this community and just for me to leave like that. Early on, I didn’t get it. There was more love this time than there has been in the past.”
Loud boos for KD in OKC pic.twitter.com/fUPOucc2N8
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 2, 2023
However, Phoenix head coach Monty Williams said he was baffled by the frosty reception Durant has continued to receive in OKC.
“I’m still surprised at how many people…why they boo him here,” Williams said. “I don’t understand that. You know what I’m saying?
“I think this fanbase is one that I respected for a long time. And I get it. When you lose a guy like Kevin… but I think at some point, you have to appreciate what he meant to this organization. I hope someday, they can appreciate him.”
Durant had the last laugh at least, finishing the game with 35 points, five rebounds and five assists on 62 percent shooting from the field, as well as the win.
KD looked exceptional in just his third game back from injury, showing no signs of the ankle injury that kept him out for 10 games last month.
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