When James Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, teaming up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, they quickly became an instant title contenders in many people’s eyes. But, despite having these three future Hall of Famers, the Nets didn’t become as dominant as everyone expected.
The best they could manage was a 48-win season and a second-round playoff appearance during the 2020-21 NBA season. The following season began their decline, with Harden’s exit followed by Irving and Durant in the subsequent year.
Durant who, currently is playing for the Phoenix Suns, now made his comeback to Brooklyn’s Barclay center, for the first time since being traded. Days before the game, he revealed that he doesn’t want his old team to honor him with a tribute video.
“Please don’t, the night will be better without it,” he said on social media when weighing in on a conversation about whether there will be a tribute video.
Please don’t, the night will be better without it
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 28, 2024
Then, before the Suns’ game in Brooklyn last night, Kevin Durant nonetheless received a tribute video from his former employer. He didn’t look too amused, to say the least.
During the video and player introduction, fans first cheered for the All-Star, before then booing him, as soon as the game started. Durant however quickly took the crowd out of the game with some an incredible performance.
The former Nets star led the Suns to a 136-120 victory with his 33 points (10-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 11-12 FT), five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
“I love to shut the crowd up. Even though I love these people here, I love to shut them up,” Durant said after the game.
