Kevin Durant Says He's 'Impressed' With The Pelicans Fans And How They 'Appreciate The Sport'

The Phoenix Suns' star forward, Kevin Durant, discusses his experience playing in New Orleans, the Pelicans, and the respect shown by their fans during an interview with Terry Kimble.

The Phoenix Suns' star forward, Kevin Durant, discusses his experience playing in New Orleans, the Pelicans, and the respect shown by their fans during an interview with Terry Kimble.

"I'm very impressed with their crowd tonight. Coming into New Orleans for 16 years, it wasn't as as exciting as it's been lately, the last four or five years. 

And, that's a testament to the team that they put together, the players they have on this team, and just the way the fans love the game of basketball. 

So it's always fun coming down here to New Orleans. The fans appreciate the sport. They appreciate the players, and they keep it respectful.

So, it was good to come in here and get a win."  -  Kevin Durant

Jan 19, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Durant had an impressive outing in New Orleans.  The veteran forward had 26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocked shots, and 2 steals.   

However, his teammate Devin Booker scorched the Pelicans by scoring a game-high 52 points on the night.  

“I just tried to be aggressive from the start. I think this was an important game. This is a team that is, one, ahead of us in standings, and two, could potentially be a playoff matchup. So, just trying to set the tone early and be aggressive, and everybody put me in the right spots," Booker said in his postgame comments.

New Orleans lost the battle in the first period, falling behind 41-28. The Pelicans struggled by shooting 3 of 20 (15%) from behind the arc in the first half and 23.8% in the contest, which was the team's season-low. 

Last night's shooting display was a stark difference from the team's previous game against the Kings where they broke a franchise record by sinking 25 three-pointers.  Against the Suns, however, they only made 10.

Phoenix shot 46 of 93 from the field at 49.5%, with Booker on a torrid scoring pace at 60% from the floor and 54.5% shooting treys.

The Pelicans fall to 25-18 on the season and 16-14 in the Western Conference.

Booker, Suns Scorch Pelicans In Blowout Win