Durant Reflects on Thunder Title Ahead of Houston Matchup

Kevin Durant said he remains grateful for his eight seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and feels pride in the franchise’s 2025 championship as he prepares to face his former team with Houston. He recalled Oklahoma City’s support after the Thunder lost the 2012 NBA Finals and said he expected the title celebration to be enormous. Durant wished his Thunder core with Russell Westbrook and James Harden had won a championship, but sees the 2025 team’s success, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and general manager Sam Presti, as an evolution of the foundation they helped build. Durant left Oklahoma City for Golden State in 2016, a move that drew lasting resentment from some fans, but says he still has a soft spot for the state.