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Kevin Durant is no stranger to opposing fans throwing shade at him. However, since joining the Brooklyn Nets, the two-time NBA champion has been booed every time he enters Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks.
The Knicks and Nets are both New York City teams and the intracity rivalry is an age-old affair. But the Knicks fans' disappointment with KD could be because the star chose to join the Nets over the Knicks. It is no secret that Durant and Kyrie Irving wanted to play together and had offers from some of the league's top teams.
The Knicks were in the race to sign the duo but ended up losing to their city rivals. Durant feels that this has had a huge part to play in the Knicks-Nets rivalry, and the 33-year-old is certainly not shying away from it.
After the Nets topped the Knicks 110-98 in MSG on Wednesday, Durant talked about the issue:
"We are both in the city. We know how much the Knicks fans don't like us, especially now in this era, us not choosing the Knicks, me and Kyrie. So that definitely adds to the rivalry."
He added:
"No matter who is on the team, you know, I think it will always be like that in the city, so it's good to be a part of this form of rivalry. Hopefully, it continues to build more and more animosity between the fan bases. It is going to be good for the game."
Kevin Durant has stepped up in every game he has played against the Knicks this season. He averaged 37.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game in their three games and also had a 53-point game.
Durant thrives under pressure. This rivalry brings out his best, as the constant booing from Knicks fans motivates him. It could be why he has done so well against them over the past two seasons.
Kevin Durant shines with a triple-double for the Brooklyn Nets in their 110-98 win over the New York Knicks
The Brooklyn Nets needed a win in this game if they were to stay in the race to finish in seventh place in the East.
The Nets (43-37) are one game behind the seventh-place Cleveland Cavaliers (43-37) and host the Cavs on Friday. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks (42-38) and Charlotte Hornets (41-39) are close behind.
Returning to the match between the Knicks and the Nets, both teams started strong. However, the Knicks had a slight advantage as they took a four-point lead going into the fourth quarter. The Nets' defensive lapses started to show up in the second quarter, as they let the likes of Alec Burks and RJ Barrett make baskets with ease.
The Knicks took advantage of this and went into halftime with a 17-point lead. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant made some big baskets to reduce the deficit, while also putting up a good defensive showing.
Kevin Durant looked sharp from midrange. He shot only 2-for-10 from the 3-point line, but other than that, the forward had a terrific night. As the game entered the fourth quarter, the Nets made their way back into the game.
From there on, they never looked back as Patty Mills and Seth Curry made some big 3's to help the Nets take control.
Kevin Durant finished with a 32 point triple-double, while Kyrie Irving racked up 24 points. This was the Nets' second consecutive win.
Guess the Lakers players!
