It took all of one game — or actually, about one quarter — for the world to remember exactly how masterfully Kevin Durant can dominate.
More than a year after suffering a ruptured Achilles as a member of the Warriors, Durant made his return to decimate them in the opening game of the 2020-21 NBA season.
Durant did it on his own home court, now as a member of the Nets, and playing alongside good friend Kyrie Irving. Durant scored 22 points in 25 minutes, as the Nets romped their undermanned and overmatched opponent by a 125-99 count.
“[His play] is kind of scary for the rest of the league,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr. “I couldn’t tell one difference between seeing him 18 months ago to seeing him [now]. I probably deserve this given that I was coaching a team like that for five years.”
Kerr certainly is not coaching a team like that today. For one, star shooting guard Klay Thompson will miss his second straight season with a torn Achilles of his own. All-Star forward Draymond Green was also out with a minor foot issue.
That left Steph Curry (20 points) to go to battle with newcomers Kelly Oubre Jr. (six points) and rookie James Wiseman (19), as well as relative newcomer Andrew Wiggins (13 points, 4-of-16 shooting).
At one point, Irving and Durant had outscored the Warriors, 40-25, all by themselves. Irving finished with a game-high 26 points , as well as four rebounds and four assists.
But it was Durant’s return that was all the rage.
“He’s done everything and he is in absolutely the ultimate position to come back from this injury,” Nets first-time coach Steve Nash said of Durant. “But we also have to give Kevin time to play NBA games and not get carried away.
“He looks amazing, he’s playing amazing, but I want to just give him breathing room and not put on too much pressure after not playing competitive basketball for 18 months.”
