Before Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on Kevin Durant’s departure from the team in 2019. Kerr expressed that while he would have loved to keep Durant with the Warriors forever, it simply wasn’t meant to be.
Durant spent three remarkable seasons with the Warriors, during which he helped the team reach three consecutive NBA Finals and win back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018. Over 208 regular-season games, Durant averaged 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Despite the success, Kerr acknowledged that Durant was ready for a new challenge.
“I think it was clear at the end that he was ready to move on and take on a different challenge,” Kerr said. “We would’ve loved to have kept him forever, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Durant’s decision to join the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 marked the end of his tenure with the Warriors, but it was a move that Kerr and the team supported.
Kerr fondly recalled his time coaching Durant, describing it as an amazing experience.
“I loved coaching Kevin. He was amazing, you know, obviously two straight finals MVPs,” Kerr said.
He also highlighted the memorable moments they shared, including Durant’s contributions to the team’s success and their time together at the Olympics.
“We would’ve loved to have kept him forever, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Steve Kerr on Kevin Durant, who won back-to-back finals MVPs for the Warriors. Played 3 seasons for Golden State before going to Brooklyn. #Suns #DubNation pic.twitter.com/zvNAgFnSmN
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 1, 2024
Then, in the game against the Warriors, Durant played a pivotal role in the Suns’ victory, scoring 21 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking three shots. His performance, combined with Devin Booker’s 27 points, helped the Suns secure a 113-105 win over the Warriors. Durant’s 3-pointer in the final minutes of the game was crucial in turning back the Warriors’ rally and sealing the victory for the Suns.
