Kevin Durant’s Return to Chase Center Takes an Unexpected Turn

For Phoenix Suns star, every visit to Chase Center is a trip down memory lane. This weekend’s All-Star Game holds even greater significance as he takes the court in front of Bay Area fans who continue to cherish his contributions to the Golden State Warriors. The warm reception from a crowd that once cheered him through championship runs adds an emotional layer to the event.

“It’s always special to play here,” he shared. “The fans, the energy—it’s something you never forget.” As he prepares to showcase his talent among the league’s best, Phoenix Suns star is embracing the opportunity to reconnect with a city that played a pivotal role in his career.

Kevin Durant Embraces His Roots at Chase Center, Celebrates 30,000-Point Milestone

For Kevin Durant, returning to Chase Center for the All-Star Game is more than just another appearance—it’s a homecoming. With murals of his likeness adorning the concourse, the Phoenix Suns star feels an undeniable connection to the Bay Area, where he helped lead the Golden State Warriors to two NBA championships.

“For sure, this is my home. I got murals up in the concourse, whatcha mean?” Durant said with a smile. “I’ve been saying this since I left here—this is always going to be a part of my DNA, this is in my blood. Finally, somebody’s listening to me, but it always felt like home. Since I left here, it’s always been that.”

Though Durant had hoped to share the All-Star festivities with his Suns teammate Devin Booker, fate had other plans. Nevertheless, Durant has plenty to celebrate. On Tuesday night, the 36-year-old forward became the eighth player in NBA history to reach the 30,000-point milestone, joining an elite list that includes LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Julius Erving also achieved this feat when combining his NBA and ABA points.

The achievement is a testament to Durant’s scoring prowess, longevity, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, he has maintained an elite level of play, consistently contributing to his team’s success. His milestone not only highlights his place among basketball’s all-time greats but also underscores his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers the sport has ever seen.

As Durant soaks in the atmosphere at Chase Center, surrounded by fans who still hold him in high regard, he remains focused on his journey ahead. With his sights set on bringing success to Phoenix, he continues to embrace the past while building on his storied career—proving that, for Durant, every chapter is just as important as the next.

“He’s probably the most incredible shot-maker I’ve ever been around,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said after Durant’s milestone. “Gone against him a lot of nights, too, so it’s nice to be on his side. The way he can rise up and shoot over people, his height, his ball-handling—he’s just, if not the most incredible shot-maker, I’m not sure who is. It’s just great to be around him every day.”

Durant, always eager to put on a show, has a 3-2 record at Chase Center, where he averages 22.4 points while shooting 39.8%. His highest-scoring game at the arena came on Dec. 28, when he posted 31 points in a 109-105 loss.

His most recent visit on Jan. 31 was highlighted by an entertaining exchange with former Seattle SuperSonics star Gary Payton, who was sitting courtside. As they debated their respective NBA eras and scoring abilities, Payton reminded Durant, “I was a point guard, you’re a scorer.”

“I was like, ‘Check my footage, man, I do it all,'” Durant laughed.

Their playful rivalry dates back to last summer, when Durant told Payton he was too small to guard him.

Kevin Durant Embraces Nostalgia and Focuses on Phoenix’s Success

Kevin Durant always treasures interactions with former NBA players, especially those from the 1990s. “It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially from the ‘90s,” Durant said. “If you played in the ’90s, you feel like that’s the golden era of the NBA. So I try to let them know, especially GP, what it would have been like if they’d been on the court with me. They tend to talk down on our era’s mentality. GP is a great sport about it, one of my favorite players, someone I look up to and have major respect for.”

These lighthearted exchanges provide a refreshing break for Durant amid the constant speculation surrounding his future. Now that the trade deadline has passed, his focus remains firmly on helping the Phoenix Suns contend for a championship.

Even without the playful banter of Gary Payton, Durant is set to receive a warm welcome from Golden State Warriors fans. During his three seasons with the team (2016-2019), Durant played a pivotal role in securing two championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. His return to Chase Center is a reminder of those golden years and a chance for fans to show their continued appreciation.

As Kevin Durant prepares for his return to San Francisco for the All-Star Game, his former coach Steve Kerr couldn’t help but reflect on the superstar’s remarkable talent. The two recently reunited while leading Team USA to Olympic gold, and Kerr remains in awe of Durant’s unparalleled skillset.

“Just his ability to get his shot off against any defense, any defender—nobody’s ever had that kind of skill at that size,” Kerr said. “He loves to play basketball more than anything. He works so hard at it. What I enjoyed the most when we had him here was watching him after practice go through his routine—it’s mesmerizing.”

For Durant, the return to the Bay Area is more than just another stop on the schedule—it’s a heartfelt homecoming. “Hell yeah, it’s going to be a homecoming,” Durant said. “It’s like I’m coming back home. Three years here was a huge part of my life, so yeah, it’s a homecoming.”

During his three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Durant helped secure two NBA championships, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. The warm reception from Warriors fans, who still hold his contributions in high regard, will undoubtedly make this visit even more special.

As Durant takes the court at Chase Center, he’ll not only celebrate his accomplishments but also reconnect with a city that continues to hold a special place in his heart.