The wait is over. And hopefully Kevin Durant is here to stay for the long haul with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021.
After two months on the sideline due to a hamstring injury, KD returned to the court on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Nets fans have been strung along with inaccurate updates for what feels like over a month now. Earlier in the week, head coach Steve Nash said Durant could return this week, but nothing was set in stone. Then a few hours ago, a graphic on the YES Network suggested he’d be in the starting lineup. That was wrong.
Like we said, just call us when he’s ready to take the court.
That finally happened with just under eight minutes to go in the second quarter. Just listen to this crowd at the Barclays Center.
Here’s the moment Kevin Durant checked into the game, and how Nets fans welcomed him back after missing 23 games with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/FnfP4GgZkZ
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) April 8, 2021
Though it feels like we continue to play a game of pong with the Nets’ star players, fans have to be happy with the results from this year even though the trio of KD, James Harden and Kyrie Irving have hardly worked together.
So far, Durant’s played the least, so his return with ample time remaining before the postseason was paramount. Though this team looks borderline unstoppable, developing chemistry and seamless rapports with the rest of the guys who will be contributing down the line is what will be key to making a championship run a reality.
But for now, KD doing it himself from coast to coast is looking as vintage as ever.
The wait for Kevin Durant was worth it https://t.co/6mAAz4wCaz pic.twitter.com/tFjz9Eu3Oi
— Cody Mallory (@RealCodyMallory) April 8, 2021
He hit his first shot of the game! Just like when he debuted in 2021 after missing a year and a half of action, Durant looks like he hasn’t missed a second on the floor.
It sure feels nice that we don’t have to talk about vague/misleading injury updates, social media snafus, or any off-the-court fodder that distracts us from Brooklyn Nets basketball. The rest of the team has come this far without being at full strength. As the roster continues to make its way back, there’s a lot to look forward to, but KD’s journey was the longest and fans couldn’t be happier that it’s seemingly nearing the end.
Brooklyn Nets: Celebrate Kevin Durant’s return with Michael Rapaport nearly crying on TV
Brooklyn Nets fans should celebrate star Kevin Durant's return to action with actor Michael Rapaport nearly crying on television.