Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is in his third uniform since leaving Oklahoma City. No matter the colors he has on his jersey, it hasn't changed how Thunder fans view him since that fateful day in 2016.

The Thunder faithful reminded KD of how they felt about him with some hearty boos during the Suns' pregame intros:

Durant was asked about it after the 128-118 Suns win, explaining that his sentiments have evolved since the early years following his departure.

“I understand it,” he said after the game. “I meant so much to this community and just for me to leave like that. Early on, I didn't get it. But I get that an NBA team is a part of your community, players so entrenched in your community.”

Article Continues Below
More Thunder News
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket beside Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Paycom Center with Warriors' Stephen Curry and Cavs' Kyrie Irving in the background
Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals brings first since Stephen Curry, Kyrie IrvingJosue Pavon ·
In the middle is Paul George in Thunder jersey and Paul George in Pacers jersey. On the side of Thunder's George is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. On the Pacers' George side is Tyrse Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard.
How Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals traces back to Paul George tradesBailey Bassett ·
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Thunder’s Chet Holmgren opens up about brutal hip injury recoveryJosue Pavon ·
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hugs Oklahoma City Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti after their team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center with Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault in the background
Mark Daigneault says Sam Presti relationship influenced Thunder successJosue Pavon ·
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault celebrates with his team after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five to win the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center
Mark Daigneault reveals Thunder’s no-expectation ‘process’ before NBA FinalsJosue Pavon ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earns major endorsement from ex-teammateAlex House ·

“There was more love this time than there has been in the past,” the Suns star followed up. “I'm just focused on that. I've had so many great memories here, so many people I've met that have just changed my life. I'll forever be grateful to be a part of this organization.”

While Durant shared his soft spot for Thunder fans, he didn't relent during his clash against OKC on the court. He poured in 35 points, including three massive three-pointers in the fourth quarter that quelled any momentum the Thunder tried to build to mount a comeback.

The Suns are clinging to the fourth spot in the West for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. There may be a few teams ahead of them in the standings, but no team in the conference is likely to be favored against them when Kevin Durant is playing in top form.