The Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder play tonight in Oklahoma City and that caused some news to hit ESPN over the weekend. In the original news report., sources claimed that Golden State was angry that Oklahoma City didn't do more to honor Kevin Durant when he returned to play them earlier this season. However, ESPN reported today that Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr said those allegations were false.
Steve Kerr on the Thunder organization
Steve Kerr said that the unnamed sources were wrong if they thought that the Golden State Warriors held any animosity towards the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He said that players changing teams is routine in the NBA today, whether through trades or players leaving as free agents. Kerr said that he considers the Thunder a "class organization" and calls GM Sam Presti a friend. He said that they hold the Thunder in great respect. The original rumors were that the Thunder just acted like Kevin Durant didn't exist when the two teams played earlier this season and that fans were harsh and relentless towards both Durant and his mother during the game, something that hurt Kevin's feelings. It is true that many Thunder fans have not forgiven Durant for leaving the team for a rival without warning this offseason but that happens when any star leaves the team that they called home for as long as Durant did.
Thunder vs. Warriors
There shouldn't be any problems when the Golden State Warriors visit the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. Kevin Durant is injured once again and won't play. There is also a chance that Durant doesn't even come out to the floor for the game tonight, remaining in the back with trainers. One person who will play is Steph Curry, who also dismissed the reports that there was anger towards the Thunder, calling the new "comical" and saying he enjoys seeing what "ridiculousness is posted" each day.
Despite the Kevin Durant injury, the Warriors still hold a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference while the Thunder have climbed to only a half-game back of the Los Angeles Clippers for the fifth spot in the conference.
