Oklahoma City Thunder fans can’t wait to see Kevin Durant lift the championship banner in the opening night.
The NBA announced the opening night game, and the Houston Rockets travelled to the reigning champions of the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s a ring night for OKC as they collect championship rings and lift banners after winning the 2024-25 NBA Championship.
After he was traded this summer, it will be Kevin Durant’s first game as the Houston Rocket. It will be a mixed emotion night as he watches his previous team celebrate the championship without him.
Durant left the lightning in a controversial way. He joined the 73-9 Golden State Warriors after defeating lightning in the conference final. It left a sour taste in Thunderfan’s mouth.
NBA fans welcomed the news of the opening night slate. They praised Commissioner Adam Silver for bringing elite drama to the start of the regular season.
One fan posted on X, “As I raise the banner, Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City is insane. Elite TV.” Another said, “I agreed that KD is being forced to raise lightning in the opening night. Adam Silver hasn’t written the script.”
Thunder fans are still furious with Durant. One said that when Durant receives a thunderous boo, home supporters will celebrate the victory of Oklahoma City’s young homemade roster.
They said, “Boos KD is going to receive it during the most packed OKC game ever, and all fans are riding adult champions at home, but it’s always crazy to see the guy they consider as a traitor play.
Durant won the ring in Golden State with the best super team the league has ever seen. He won two titles alongside all-time best shooters Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
They stacked the decks like any team before, with one fan trusting Durant’s ring and saying, “KD is watching the ‘real’ ring for the first time, but that’s not him.”
Thunder fans thanked Silver for giving retaliation against Durant. “KD has to watch us get the ring. Thank you Adam Silver,” he said.
Another NBA fan has credited the league for setting up this matchup. They said, “To see Kevin Durant in the building and see OKC have to raise the first ever banner and pretend he doesn’t care, it’s hard to believe the NBA actually gave this.”
He has just joined Rocket, but his long-term future with the team is already being questioned. NBA reporter Tim McMahon said Durant is willing to accept sub-max contract offers, but Houston is not considering paying large sums to Durant.
He said in the Hoop Collective Podcast, “I don’t know that Rocket will put anything on a table close to Full Max. I don’t think he’ll panic when he enters the season with Durant on his current contract.”
Durant has one year left on the contract and will become a free agent next summer unless he and Rocket agree to the terms.
Will he be the biggest free agent name in the NBA next summer?