Following Friday’s lopsided loss to Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant gave his thoughts on the current Thunder. Kevin said that what they are doing now is akin to what he had there so many years ago, clearly pleased by their talent and commitment.
“This group has exceptional talent. Durant quoted guys who love to play ball through Duane Rankin. They don’t get too caught up in the non-gaming activities. I believe that’s what our group had while we were here. They have a coach that is knowledgeable about both the team and the game.”
With the Suns, Kevin Durant has had an inconsistent season. The team has battled to stay above play-in territory because of the supporting cast’s inconsistent play and never-ending list of injuries. However, things weren’t always this way for the previous MVP.
Things had changed back in Oklahoma City. Durant became well-known with the Thunder after being selected second overall in the 2007 NBA Draft and saw the team expand from the ground up. Durant consistently ranked his Thunder teams in the top four in the West and led them to long playoff runs year after year, even though they had just moved to Oklahoma City.
In the end, Durant did go from the Thunder, and not amicably. Only after the 2018 collapse against the Warriors did Durant alter his trajectory once more. He still has positive memories of his time with the Thunder, though, and he is pleased with the direction they are currently taking.
Even though they are still young and inexperienced, the Thunder are a formidable team in the West right now, and Durant will probably have to overcome them if he hopes to go far in the postseason this year.
