Kevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City for season opener

Kevin Durant will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Oct. 31, marking his first return to the franchise that drafted him in 2007. The 19-year veteran, now in his second season with the Houston Rockets, spoke with ESPN in an interview conducted for the documentary "The Oklahoma Standard." The film explores the connection between the Thunder and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Durant spent eight seasons with the Thunder, arriving in July 2008 at age 19. He joined a young team that had recently relocated from Seattle. The organization reached the NBA Finals in 2012 with a core that included Russell Westbrook and James Harden. That squad lost to the Miami Heat, and the trio never returned to the championship series together. Durant left for Golden State in 2016, where he won two straight titles.

The Thunder won the 2025 NBA championship, a feat the original core did not achieve. Durant described the victory as an evolution of the foundation laid by his early teammates. He noted that current stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams built upon the culture established during his tenure. He expressed pride in seeing the team succeed, despite the fact that he was not part of the winning roster.

Durant recalled the arrival in Oklahoma City as a period of high energy for a community still processing the 1995 bombing. He stated that the city needed a professional team to unify its identity. General Manager Sam Presti emphasized the importance of community engagement, taking the new players to the memorial site to understand local history. Durant said this experience made wearing the jersey more meaningful and distinct from games in larger markets where basketball was often just one of many entertainment options.

He described the fan base in Oklahoma City as different from those in major cities. Fans were often on their feet during warmups, creating a family-like atmosphere. Durant compared the experience to college sports, noting that players built close relationships with season ticket holders. He said the team felt like a community hub rather than just another hobby for the city's residents.

The team's early culture was defined by discipline and unity. Durant remembered traveling with teammates in matching sweatsuits and practicing in temporary facilities, including a Division II college gym and a renovated roller rink. This gritty start helped shape the franchise's identity. He credited Presti for establishing a professional standard that allowed the team to compete at a high level quickly.

Durant acknowledged that some fans in Oklahoma City viewed his 2016 departure with resentment. He has received boos in past visits. However, he said he maintains a soft spot for the state and feels grateful to be considered an alumnus of the franchise. The Rockets and Thunder meet on Oct. 31 for the first time this season.