Despite the Brooklyn Nets expressing their love for Kevin Durant, fans have shown minimal enthusiasm for the admiration. Nevertheless, when the Phoenix Suns entered their arena, the franchise went above and beyond their usual preparations. The Nets marked Durant’s return with a tribute video, acknowledging his significant contributions in over 140 games with the team. Initially expressing his reluctance to receive a tribute, KD believed he hadn’t left a lasting impact. However, the franchise found a way to honor KD’s induction into the NBA’s all-time 75 list and reach the 25,000-point milestone.

After the Suns secured a 136-120 victory, a heartwarming exchange between Kevin Durant and Nets’ general manager Sean Marks unfolded as they shared hugs. However, a reporter flipped the narrative with a humorous twist, suggesting that a similar scenario might not unfold when Kyrie Irving makes his appearance in the Nets’ arena in the coming week.

In 2019, Kyrie Irving joined the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent. He immediately forged a dynamic duo with Kevin Durant and a trio with James Harden for the 2020-21 season. However, injuries and various off-court controversies plagued the team, preventing them from reaching their full potential. Eventually, the trio disbanded, with Durant heading to Phoenix and Kyrie traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Currently, Kyrie is sidelined due to a thumb injury, missing five consecutive games. With the Nets aligned to welcome Dallas, it remains uncertain whether Kyrie will be able to participate in the contest.

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Kevin Durant still knows the nooks of the Nets’ court

Despite the early cheers echoing in the Nets’ arena, Kevin Durant didn’t let up on unleashing his fireworks. Following the franchise’s tribute, KD went on to display what the franchise has been missing without him.

The Nets initially played toe to toe with the Suns, a 30-point first quarter to a 64-61 trail. However, it is when Durant propelled the Suns to a commanding third quarter. As cheers on his return turned into boos, Durant demonstrated a scoring clinic with 11 efficient points. Throughout the game, he made 10 of his 16 attempts and sank 11 free throws. As the two teams headed for the final stretch, the Suns held a commanding 19-point lead, a gap the Nets failed to narrow.

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Durant exited the game with an impressive stat line of 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jusuf Nurkić contributed 28 points with 11 boards, while Devin Booker and Bradley Beal added 22 and 12 points, respectively. The Suns will now face the Atlanta Hawks in their next matchup while Brooklyn will face the Philadelphia 76ers.