SAN FRANCISCO — Kevin Durant takes a moment to bid farewell to familiar faces as he leaves San Francisco after games. The star of the Phoenix Suns values every return to Chase Center, and this weekend, playing in the All-Star Game before his Bay Area supporters holds special significance due to the fond memories shared while with the Warriors.
“This place is my home; I have my murals in the concourse, what do you mean?” Durant expressed with a smile. “Since leaving, this has always been part of who I am, it’s in my blood. Finally, someone is starting to get it, but it has always felt like home to me.”
While he celebrates his 15th All-Star selection, Durant hoped his teammate Devin Booker could join him in San Francisco. Recently reaching 30,000 points in his career, the 36-year-old joins an elite group that includes LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan among others. It was a significant milestone that makes this weekend’s celebration even more meaningful.
“He’s probably the most incredible shot maker I’ve ever been around,” reflected Suns coach Mike Budenholzer after Durant hit the milestone. “I’ve faced him many times, so it’s a joy to have him on my side now. His ability to shoot over defenders and his skill set is just extraordinary.”
Durant is expected to impress the audience yet again. He had some remarkable moments during his tenure with the Warriors, recording a 3-2 win-loss at Chase Center with an average of 22.4 points per game, and his scoring high was 31 points in a loss back in December.
In his latest visit to San Francisco, Durant engaged in some playful banter with former Seattle SuperSonics great Gary Payton, who was there to support his son Gary Payton II. They humorously debated their NBA eras and scoring prowess, with Payton reminding Durant of their differing roles on the court.
This back-and-forth started last summer during Team USA preparations when Durant jokingly suggested Payton was too small to defend him. “I love running into legendary players, especially from the 90s,” Durant noted. “They often regard that as the golden age of the NBA, so I try to shed light on how things would have been different if they played against me.” Payton, whom Durant admires, is always a good sport about these discussions.
These light-hearted interactions help Durant navigate tougher moments, such as the rumors surrounding a potential trade prior to last week’s deadline. He’ll come across many fans who remain grateful for his contributions during his time with the Warriors, where he played from 2016 to 2019, securing two championships alongside stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr had a memorable experience coaching Durant together with Curry and the U.S. Olympic team, emphasizing his unique abilities saying, “His skill set is unmatched for someone of his height. He has an unparalleled love for the game, and it was mesmerizing to watch him work so hard during practice.”
As Durant returns to San Francisco this time, he will absorb the energy around him, knowing that even brief reunions with fans carry significant weight. Reflecting on the past, he said, “This is a homecoming for me. My three years here represent a huge part of my life.”
