By Sandeep Chandok:
The amount of “boo’s” Kevin Durant will receive tonight in Oklahoma City could possibly set a world record.
For Durant, it will be his first time back in Chesapeake Arena since leaving the Thunder in free agency to join the Golden State Warriors — the team that came back from a 3-1 deficit and knocked OKC out in the Western Conference Finals last season.
Now, we’ve seen this movie before, back in 2010 when Lebron James left his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers to “take his talents to South Beach” to join the likes of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat.
James’ free agency move had been the most monumental in NBA history until Durant decided to one-up him. For Pete’s sake, the guy joined a 73-9 Warriors team that has Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, the reigning two-time MVP in Stephen Curry and was one win away from back-to-back championships — it’s ok Warrior fans, I won’t touch that subject.
Nonetheless, the former former Thunder superstar is enjoying his time in the Bay Area as the Dubs are a league-best 44-8 and have Durant playing at a ridiculously efficient rate, who, for the record, understands the severity of his return to OKC.
“I know what I did wasn’t a popular choice,” Durant told SportsCenter earlier this week. “So to be on the other side, it’s going to be different, but it should be fun.”
Fun is likely how the Warriors would describe their first two meetings with the Thunder as they won by a combined 47 points, the second of which saw Durant score a season-high 40 points. His previous season-high was 39 — which came in the first game against the Thunder.
Russell Westbrook … just had to throw his name in here at least once, because, well, you know why.
Westbrook, known for his unique sense of fashion, in addition to the nightly triple-doubles, showed up to the first game in Oakland earlier this season in a photographer’s vest typically worn by media. One of Durant’s hobbies is no doubt photography.
Russell Westbrook, ladies and gentlemen.
There were some incidents in the second matchup in Oakland as well.
It began with a hard screen by Warriors’ center Zaza Pachulia on Westbrook right before halftime. That was followed by a thunderous (pun intended) third-quarter slam by the fiery guard after which he proceeded to yell “Don’t jump” to Durant who ran down the court and answered with a quick transition three.
The two exchanged words, rationally, moments later.
As to what was said between the former Batman and Robin duo remains unknown but trust me, I want to know as much as you do. After the game, Thunder forward Enes Kanter attempted to say hello to Durant but was halted by Westbrook who said, “Don’t say what’s up to that b***h a** n***a.”
Russell Westbrook, ladies and gentlemen.
It will be interesting to see what Westbrook, Thunder fans and the Thunder organization have planned for tonight’s game. Whether there is a video tribute in store for Durant will be seen come game time.
Applause? There might be some, although, it’ll be hard to hear it behind the overpowering roar of “boo’s.”
I’m just waiting to see what Westbrook does to Pachulia, to be honest.