After a rather short offseason, NBA returned back to action with the 2020-21 season. The opening night which involved 2 matchups, also included the championship ring ceremony. Kevin Durant marked his return to the court after having missed the previous campaign due to an Achilles injury.
Durant made his debut for the Nets against his former franchise, the Golden State Warriors. The power forward returned to haunt his former side as he dropped in a match-winning performance. He registered 22 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in Nets’ 125-99 win at home.
Nets were in command for the entire duration of the game and Durant reiterated the same after the culmination of the match.
“I think we had a solid first start, So we want to build on it. I was looking forward to coming out here and getting a ‘W,’ and I was glad we were able to come out and finish the job.” Durant said after the game.
Durant felt that he has to prove anything to anybody after returning back to action following a lengthy layoff.
“I don’t think I have to show anybody anything,” Durant said. “I’m just going to come out there and just hoop … So, I don’t feel like I’ve got to prove myself, but I want to go out there and be able to do whatever Coach needs me to out on the floor.”
Steph Curry felt ‘awful’ facing his former teammate Durant
Curry, who is also coming from a lengthy injury setback stated that he was pleased to see Durant being fully fit and running the show, but summed up the experience of facing his former teammate as awful.
“With KD out there — the way that he looked, he looked all the way healthy, confident in his body, so it was good to see obviously from a health standpoint,”That means a lot to come off an injury like that.” Curry said.
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant accounted for 48 points across three quarters as the duo sat out for the final phase of the game having attained a hefty lead.
As far as the Warriors are concerned, Curry led the scoring charts with 20 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds. Debutant James Wiseman also marked his presence with a solid debut outing. Among one of the top NBA Draft picks, Wiseman managed to score 19 points and register 6 rebounds.
“He played really well, He looked great out there. I would have preferred a game where we actually were in the game and playing at a competitive level, but obviously, we got crushed tonight. But James showed exactly why we’re very excited about him. He’s a really talented guy and he’s smart and hardworking and he wants to do well and fit in with his teammates, so he’s got a bright future.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said at the end of the game.
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