Durant: Playing in OKC 'just a regular game' after learning to tune out crowd
Kevin Durant has changed his tune.
Ahead of his return to Oklahoma City for the first time as a member of the Golden State Warriors last season, Durant admitted that playing against the Thunder was "never going to be a regular game" for him.
Not even a full year later, his feelings have taken a 180-degree turn.
"Just a regular game for me now. I learned how to tune out the crowd," he told reporters after Tuesday's practice, which he participated in fully.
"I learned how to tune out the bulls--- and just play. ... I know if I don't focus and lock in, I won't play to the best of my abilities. Try to block out all the nonsense and all the BS, and just go out there and play."
That BS included a wide array of signs mocking the superstar after he abandoned OKC in free agency last summer for greener pastures in the Bay Area. Most famously, Thunder faithful chanted "cupcake" every time KD touched the ball based on an inside joke between teammates back in the day.
Related: OKC fans troll Durant with cupcakes
Durant later called the insult "really creative" and turned the tables on his former fan base by wearing a cupcake hat after winning a championship with the Warriors and releasing a red velvet colorway of his signature kicks.
The reigning Finals MVP recently indicated that despite all the fallout from his departure, he'll always love OKC, where he played in eight of his first nine NBA seasons after the team relocated there from Seattle in 2008. "That blue is going to be in my blood forever," he said, adding he expects the organization to retire his No. 35 someday.
The All-NBA forward is listed as questionable for Wednesday's tilt at his old stomping grounds, after sitting out Monday's win over the Brooklyn Nets with a left ankle sprain. In the event that he miss his second straight contest, Omri Casspi and Andre Iguodala should continue to pick up minutes in his absence.
Durant is averaging 24.9 points, seven rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.2 blocks this season.