OAKLAND, Calif. -- New Warriors addition Kevin Durant emerged from the tunnel for his pregame warm-up ahead of Tuesday's Team USA exhibition game to a hearty cheer from the Oracle Arena crowd.
He completed his first shooting routine in Oakland -- a workmanlike two-man game between the superstar small forward and Team USA assistant Monty Williams -- and sauntered over to the crowd hanging over the tunnel. One fan held up a sign proclaiming "KD is NOT the VILLAIN." Just to the left of the placard, Durant autographed a new Warriors home jersey bearing his name.
Just before tipoff, Golden State's star triumvirate of Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson took center court, with Green on the mic. The most vocal Warrior exhorted the crowd to welcome KD, which they happily obliged.
The crowd roared for more than 15 seconds, before finally getting interrupted by DeAndre Jordan's name ringing out over the speakers.
The Oracle fans gave equally spirited cheers for Draymond Green and Klay Thompson as Golden State's incumbent All-Stars took the floor. Durant will be a media fixation this season, but it's a level of attention his new teammates have grown accustomed to.
"We were under a microscope all of last year," said current Golden State assistant coach and formerThunderassistant Ron Adams, as he watched from the sidelines. "It's nothing new."
Durant cemented his debut on the Warriors' home floor by hitting a quick 3-pointer to kick things off, followed by a touchdown spike.