NBA star Kevin Durant has once again haunted his former team as he led the Golden State Warriors to a 130-114 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday (NZ time).
Durant had put up monster numbers in the two previous meetings this season, scoring 39 and 40 points respectively, but this match was one circled on everybody's calendar as it was Durant's first game back at Chesapeake Arena since leaving in the off-season.
The crowd was loud and feisty throughout the game and booed Durant every time he touched the ball, but that did not faze the former MVP as he led the Warriors in scoring with 34 points while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson scored 26 each.
Russell Westbrook scored a game-high 47 points along with 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Thunder while Victor Oladipo added 20.
Kiwi centre Steven Adams contributed 13 points, and pulled down three rebounds.
The Thunder started well, but the Warriors clawed their way back to 30-24 lead at the end of the first quarter. They continued that dominance in the second quarter to head to the changing rooms up 73-50.
Things heated up in the third quarter when Russell Westbrook started attacking the basket and taking more shots. Midway through the quarter, Westbrook and Durant exchanged words as both players were heading to the bench.
When play resumed Durant got hit with a technical foul after a head-to-head with Thunder guard Andre Roberson.
OKC chipped into the Warriors lead, but the visitors led 105-88 heading into the fourth.
The Thunder continued to close the gap to get within 12 points with eight minutes left, but it was not enough as the 2015 NBA champions pulled away to seal their 46th win of the season.
Durant said post game that despite the harsh treatment he received at the hands of the fans that once adored him, it wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be.
"I thought it would have been louder," said the 28-year old.
"To be one of these guys now when they boo you is fun, so I have to embrace it."
The Thunder will hope to bounce back when they face the Washington Wizards on Tuesday (NZ time).
The Oklahoma crowd was loud and feisty at the tip-off but as the game progressed they lost their voice as the Warriors built a big lead.
Newshub.
