KD has yet to play in front of Dubs fans at Chase ‘nuts’ to Kerr. Despite leaving the Warriors almost four years ago, Kevin Durant has yet to play in front of Dub Nation at Chase Center, which opens its doors for the 2019-20 NBA season.
Durant has yet to feel the adoration of Warriors supporters since his surprising departure from the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2019. It might be the COVID-19 epidemic or injuries.
On February 13, 2021, Durant played at Chase Center, a building he helped build, but the arena was empty of people to keep them safe during the epidemic.
Durant’s strange trend continued on Monday, as the Phoenix Suns’ newest superstar missed the game against the Warriors while recovering from a sprained left ankle suffered during pregame warmups on March 8.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was questioned about Durant missing another game at Chase Center before Monday.
“It’s insane,” Kerr said to reporters. “That’s absurd. It’s been a long time. How long has it been? What, four years? Is this your fourth year? And we’ve always expected his comeback, and we’ve always prepared a ‘Welcome back’ video to honor him for everything he’s done for this series. Then literally every game, something comes up, like, as you mentioned, the pandemic.
I recall him playing one game for Brooklyn with no supporters in attendance. So it’s a pity because our supporters would show him the love, acclaim, and enthusiasm he deserves for what he’s done for us.
Durant missed the January 22 game at Chase Center while still with the Nets earlier this season due to an MCL injury.
Kevin Durant also missed the Nets-Warriors game in San Francisco on January 29, 2022, due to a left knee ailment.
Durant joined the Warriors in the summer of 2016 and helped them win the following two NBA championships, earning Finals MVP honors each time.
A ripped left Achilles’ injury hampered his final season with Golden State and a three-peat attempt.
The Warriors and Suns do not play again during the regular season, but if they meet in the NBA playoffs and Durant is healthy, it will be quite a spectacle if his first game in front of Dub Nation comes before an exciting postseason game.