Despite rough welcome, Durant victorious in OKC return

LOS ANGELES, USA – Kevin Durant scored 34 points in an emotional return to Oklahoma City on Saturday, February 11 (Sunday in Manila) to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 130-114 NBA win over the Thunder.

Durant, who left the Thunder as a free agent last year, was jeered from pre-game introductions through the end of the game by Oklahoma City fans. (READ: Cupcakes, boos, beef with Westbrook in Durant’s return to Oklahoma City)

But he connected on 12 of his 21 shots from the field and pulled down 9 rebounds as the Warriors improved their league-leading record to 46-8.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson scored 26 points apiece as the Warriors withstood a 47-point, 11-rebound effort from Thunder star Russell Westbrook.

“For us this was very, very similar to what we’ve experienced in the playoffs,” Curry said of the charged atmosphere. “It wasn’t anything new for the guys that have been in this visiting locker room before and played a meaningful game.”

Victor Oladipo scored 20 points and Steven Adams contributed 13 but was limited to just 3 rebounds.

The tension ratcheted up late in the third quarter. Durant and Westbrook had a verbal exchange going into a timeout, with Westbrook calling “I’m coming” and Durant responding “You’re going to lose.”

Minutes later Thunder forward Andre Roberson fouled Durant while going for a layup. That led to Durant exchanging more words and the two butting heads before being separated.

The run-in sent 18,000 fans into a frenzy, but the Warriors were in full control when the quarter ended, taking a 105-87 lead into the final frame.

Durant got off to a slow start, but ended up with 15 points in a first half that saw the Warriors build a 73-50 lead.

Although the Warriors would stay in front the rest of the way there was plenty of drama as fans vented their pent-up anger at Durant’s decision to depart. – Rappler.com