Kevin Durant made his debut for his new team on Wednesday night, returning from injury in order to play in the Suns' 105-91 win over the Hornets. Durant piled in 23 points across 27 minutes, but didn’t deny that he was feeling the nerves before taking the court with his new teammates.
While speaking to the media after the game, Durant admitted that he felt some pressure to prove himself on the court.
“New environment, new situation, new teammates,” he said. “I always feel I got to prove myself to my teammates and my coaches every day, no matter what I've done in the league. So, I feel like it’s pressure on me to be who I am, every day,” said Durant to reporters.
Durant had been sidelined with an MCL sprain that kept him out since Jan. 8, delaying his debut for the Suns, who acquired him at the trade deadline from the Nets.
Now playing for his fourth team in the NBA, it doesn’t seem that the unique feeling of suiting up for a new organization has faded for the 15-year veteran. While he admitted to being nervous, Durant said his teammates helped him feel more comfortable.
“I feel like I fit in pretty well,” Durant said, via the Associated Press. “Everybody out there was trying to make me as comfortable as possible. I just have to keep riding it, man.”
Durant knocked down 10 of 15 field goal attempts during his debut, corralling six rebounds and providing two assists in the win. Devin Booker led all scorers with 37 points, as Phoenix’s newest superstar tandem combined for 60 on their first night sharing the floor.
