Why Kevin Durant Saved His Legacy By Going to Golden State (part 3)

Part 3, The Reunion:

Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors strolled into Oklahoma City, amid a literal Thunder of tension and anticipation, for the most hyped game of the NBA season thus far. Chesapeake Energy Arena was packed from top to bottom for this Saturday ESPN on ABC primetime matchup. During introductions, the hatred, animosity, and built up frustration was palpable coming from the loyal Thunder fans: and this only intensified as the game began. Durant was booed loudly during starting lineups, and every time he touched the ball, the fans rained down chants of “cupcake”, and angry slurs. I laughed while watching this unfold, because Kevin Durant, a player of his stature and swagger, does not back down from a moment like this: rather he rises to the occasion. KD swished his first shot, calmly dealt with the cheeky fouls and trash talk amid the game from the likes of Andre Roberson and Russell Westbrook. Durant finished with 34 big ones, and more importantly, a win.

Steve Kerr, the Warriors head coach, dropped the quote of the night when asked about the reception he hoped Kevin would receive: “Boo the player. Don’t boo the man.” This statement so aptly sums up the reception KD deserved. A perennial all-star and league MVP on the court, but a community leader, mentor, friend, and face of Oklahoma City during his time there makes him a man of the highest quality and caliber. Yeah, maybe he could have called Russell Westbrook when he decided to join dub nation, and maybe he could have signed off in a slightly classier way to the Thunder fan base. But there was no Lebron James “I’m taking my talents to South Beach” on National TV moment. Kevin Durant still remains the greatest player to ever put on a Thunder jersey, and probably the greatest leader the city has ever seen. So boo the player, don’t boo the man.