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Monday, April 10, 2017
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Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors goes up to shoot over the New Orleans Pelicans during their NBA clash at the ORACLE Arena on Saturday.AP
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OAKLAND – Kevin Durant’s first touch after missing 19 games with a knee injury? Just a driving baseline reverse and emphatic one-handed slam.
Yes, indeed, KD looks healthy and ready for the playoffs even after five weeks on the sidelines.
Durant triumphantly returned to finish with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, helping the Golden State Warriors beat the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 123-101 on Saturday night.
”You get a dunk first play of the game no matter how long you’ve been out that feels good,” he said. ”… I felt good putting my jersey on, running out with the team. It felt normal again. I’m a basketball player, I love playing basketball, that’s my favorite thing to do, so to feel like I’m a part of the team, feel like I’m a part of this energy that we have feels great.”
With two-time reigning MVP Stephen Curry sidelined by a bruised left knee, Durant shined in 31 minutes and the balanced Warriors won their 14th straight game – the longest unbeaten run in the NBA this season. Durant hadn’t played since getting hurt Feb. 28 at Washington and just resumed full practice Friday.
”I’m extremely proud of him, of course, as always,” said mother Wanda Durant, who smiled, signed autographs and posed for selfies with fans . ”We just told him to continue to work hard but not move too fast. Just told him calm down and relax, the doctors said it wouldn’t be long so just wait the time and do what you need to do.”
Klay Thompson scored 20 points, Draymond Green had 13 points and eight rebounds, and the do-everything Warriors sure look poised for another deep playoff run.
Coach Steve Kerr joked about ”three meaningless games” remaining after the NBA’s top team wrapped up the best record and No. 1 seed in the Western Conference during Wednesday’s win at Phoenix.
Having Durant back certainly brought some energy.
”I think he looked great. It’s going to be hard for anybody to take off a month and come back and put on a great show,” Thompson said. ”It was great to see that first play, him attacking the rim like that.”
Durant raised both hands to the sky and pointed when he took the court before tipoff. His shot wasn’t quite as consistent as usual – 6 for 15 and missing all four of his 3-point tries – as he eases his way back to form after such a long layoff. (AP)
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