The Nets’ victory in Toronto on Sunday night marked the first time Kevin Durant had taken the court in The Six since June 10, 2019 – Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals, the night he tore his Achilles and cost himself the entire 2019-20 NBA season.
On the court, though, Durant wasn’t focused on anything other than getting the Nets a W.
“I was more so thinking about Nick Nurse, what type of coach he is and how he guards me,” Durant said. “The schemes and adjustments they make in a game are pretty impressive, and as an opposing player, it can keep you up at night.”
After the game, however, Durant admitted that he loves playing in Toronto, and was happy to come back and get the win in his first return since one of the “lowest moments” of his career.
“I have some amazing memories in Toronto; I love playing here, and the fans have been amazing to me,” KD said. “Last time I was here was one of my lowest moments as a basketball player, but it was good to come back and play here, see the fans, and get a W.”
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Durant missed the entirety of his first season in Brooklyn rehabbing that Achilles tear, and it was not an easy recover mentally or physically.
“I’m proud of everyone who sacrificed their time to help me get through this tough period,” he said. “I was a burden on a lot of people mentally; you never knew how I was going to approach the day, but so many people took the time to help me through this, and they made sure I was doing the right work, so I appreciate all of them.”
KD was one of the best players in the league prior to the injury, and nothing has changed since his return. Although he was limited to 35 games last season for a variety of injury and COVID-related reasons, Durant averaged 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 points per game, and bumped those averages up to 34.3/9.3/4.4 in the postseason.
This year, in 10 games helping the Nets navigate life without Kyrie Irving, KD has averaged 28.6/8.6/5.4, and he dropped 31-7-7 on Sunday.
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The one thing that has changed, though, is the style with which Durant gets it done.
“I’m a different player, because having an injury like that will do that,” he said. “It’s just another iteration of who I am. I wouldn’t compare it to who I was back then, but I’m still growing and getting better, and in a good place mentally.”
Especially after beating a Raptors team KD has mad respect for.
“This is a championship organization, and you respect the craft they bring every day,” he said. “To come in here and beat them, we had to match their intensity and find energy, and I’m proud of how we did that. This is a big win for us.”
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