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The Brooklyn Nets traveled to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, marking the returns of superstar Kevin Durant and Hall of Famer Steve Nash to the Bay Area.
Durant, of course, won two championships and two NBA Finals MVPs in three seasons with the Warriors, while Nash was a player development consultant for the franchise before joining the Nets as head coach. Nash and Durant built a bond with the Dubs, which is why KD approved of Nash as the coach in Brooklyn despite him not having any coaching experience.
Warriors center Kevon Looney remembers watching Durant working out with Nash. If being a two-time MVP wasn't enough to gain Durant's trust, teaching him a thing or two would do the trick.
“I remember some of the stuff you use to see KD do pregame, all the spin moves and things for balance,” Looney said. “I remember Steve Nash introducing it to him.”
Prior to Saturday's showdown, Stephen Curry was asked about all the emotions surrounding Durant's return.
“It's kind of weird. I'm sure if you ask him he will say it's just another game,” Curry said.
Players usually give the casual answer on feelings about playing certain teams or players, often downplaying big matchups as “just another game,” like Curry said. Nash, though, admitted Durant's true feelings, even if Warriors fans weren't in attendance to see their former superstar.
“I think it does mean something to him, but he doesn't show it,” Nash said.
When Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked if coaching Durant gave Golden State an advantage, he gave a blunt answer: “No, it's overrated.”
This is especially true given the wealth of talent on Brooklyn.
“All their starters are shooting over 40% from 3 if you factor in Jeff Green starting for DJ. They're a nightmare to try and guard,” Kerr told the media before the game.
A nightmare, indeed.
Even with a slow start from Durant, the Nets controlled the game from the outset, moving at a pace the Warriors couldn't keep up with. Brooklyn poured in 37 points in the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 134-117 victory. The Nets racked up 35 assists en route to 53.8% shooting from the field and 16-of-39 from 3-land. All five starters scored in double figures, with Kyrie Irving leading the way with 23 and Durant going for 20. James Harden had 19 points and 16 assists.
Durant — who got a tribute video — was all smiles as he walked off the court after the game, with plenty of good vibes to go around with Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
“I loved playing for this team. I'm glad we got the win.
“My time here in Golden State was so much fun, such a big learning experience, especially learning the game of basketball different, a different philosophy.”
As for the Warriors, Green admitted playing the Nets “sucked” and they got their “ass kicked,” so they're going to have to move past this game quickly.
