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ESPN: Kevin Durant's treatment from Thunder organization in return to OKC angered Warriors

ESPN: Kevin Durant's treatment from Thunder organization in return to OKC angered Warriors
Posted at 12:11 PM, Mar 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-20 14:50:52-04

The Golden State Warriors organization was furious and bewildered by the treatment Kevin Durant received from the Oklahoma City Thunder organization and its fans in his return to Oklahoma in February, according to an ESPN report.

Durant made his debut at Chesapeake Energy Arena as a member of the Warriors on Feb. 11, and was booed and called "cupcake" and "soft" throughout the game.

Durant's mother, Wanda, was also upset with the treatment, and said people approached her to mock her son.

RELATED: Wanda Durant hurt by 'vicious' fan remarks in son's return to Oklahoma City

The Warriors' felt Durant should have been acknowledged for his nine years with the team, and that the silence from the organization led to the hostile environment in the arena.

However, Warriors coach Steve Kerr disputed ESPN's report, saying that the Thunder is a class organization, according to USA Today. 

Thunder general manager Sam Presti released the following statement after Durant announced his decision to leave for the Warriors.

"When Kevin made the decision to leave and move on from Oklahoma and the Thunder, we responded in a manner that is consistent with how the Thunder tries to conduct itself, and I am incredibly proud of the people across our entire organization and the professionalism they have demonstrated. They have embraced Kevin's past with the Thunder while sensibly and passionately investing in those that stand with us as we continue our work in Oklahoma with an inspired and positive outlook.

"We are fortunate to have people like Russell, Nick, Steven and Billy in place, individuals who care deeply about the Thunder and what it stands for in our community and who are proud of their contributions to date, yet driven and honored to write our next chapter together."

The Warriors play the Thunder on Monday night in Oklahoma City, but Durant is sidelined with a knee injury. He is expected to remain in the locker room and receive treatment during the game.

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