Ever since Kevin Durant left the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2019, we imagined an electric crowd welcoming him back to the Bay. The return is finally upon us nearly two years later with Durant clearing COVID-10 protocols on Friday, but that electric crowd won't be present.

Due to the NBA's COVID-19 safety protocols, games are played with little to no audience in attendance depending on the city. The Warriors are yet to allow fans this year (though they're hopeful that will change in the coming months), so we'll have to wait at least another season for that atmosphere. For now, we'll have to enjoy the sounds of a video-game audience and virtual fans.

If fans were allowed into the Chase Center, would they cheer or boo when Durant's name is called? Stephen Curry shared his thoughts.

“Hopefully it would be nothing but a standing ovation and giving him the respect he deserves as a champion,” said Curry.

Saturday's matchup will be the second meeting between the Warriors and Brooklyn Nets this season. It also will be Golden State's first time playing Brooklyn since the addition of James Harden. Curry talked about the challenge of defending these new-look Nets, saying “When you have three guys like that, when they all click offensively, they're unbelievable. It's going to be a huge task for us. It's going to be fun and I'm looking forward to it.”

Golden State has been one of the best defensive teams in the league in 2020-21, ranking in the top-10 in defensive rating. The Nets are a handful offensively, led by a lethal weapon in Durant.

Most defenders would be terrified of getting caught on an island with him, but not former number one pick Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins discussed the task ahead of him with Durant, saying “He's one of the greatest scorers of all time, just got to make it tough for him, stay aggressive and attack him too.” Wiggins takes pride in his defense and believes that when he's clicking on that end, it helps him offensively.

The Warriors will need to play nearly perfect defense to come out on top in this one. The first meeting ended in a 125-99 blowout victory for the Nets. Kevin Durant scored 22 points in only 25 minutes.

Will returning to the Bay Area make a difference? Will there be a lot of emotions?

“It's kind of weird since all the things that have changed since the 18-19 season,” said Curry. “I'm sure if you ask him, he'll probably tell you it's just another game.”

The Warriors will have a tribute video play for Durant at some point during the game. When asked about his favorite KD moment in a Warriors jersey, one bucket immediately came to mind.

“The Game 3 shot in 2017,” said Curry. “That was the best basketball we've experienced on both sides. That Cavs team was amazing, we were amazing, and that shot was iconic.”

That's one memory that will never get old for Warrior fans. But on Saturday, all Curry and his teammates will be thinking about is beating Brooklyn.