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KD thankful for time with Warriors: 'I think about those moments daily'

Noah Graham / National Basketball Association / Getty

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant made his Bay Area return Saturday and scored 20 points in his first game against the Golden State Warriors since his departure.

The 10-time All-Star won back-to-back Finals MVP awards as he led the Warriors to two titles in three years, and those memories came rushing back as he watched a video tribute to him during a first-quarter timeout.

"Tribute video was cool. I think about those moments daily," Durant told reporters postgame, including ESPN's Malika Andrews. "Every single moment that I have had in this league, I think about it and try to analyze it and get better.

"My time here in Golden State was so much fun. It was such a big learning experience, especially learning basketball in a different philosophy. I'm gonna take that with me for the rest of my life."

Brooklyn acquired Durant from Golden State via a sign-and-trade deal in 2019. However, he didn't suit up in the Nets' lone meeting against the Warriors last season, as he sat out the entire 2019-20 campaign due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Shortly after Durant's departure, Golden State CEO Joe Lacob announced that no player will ever wear the No. 35 again. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr thought it was a "no-brainer" to honor Durant in his first game back as a visitor, and the team plans on doing the same next year when fans are expected to be in attendance.

"When Kevin came here and gave us three years of just incredible basketball, the least we could do is welcome him back with open arms," Kerr said.

He added: "A guy that gave everything to us for three years then left with a devastating injury. There should be a lot of love, he did so much for us."

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