Durant on playing in front a Chinese crowd “It felt incredible. Back at home we play so many games in front of the same people, sometimes they take us for granted. When you come out here, and you get the appreciation and respect that you’ve earned as players that make it this far, it’s pretty great”
Kevin Durant felt the love from the crowd in Macao during the Houston Rockets’ 135-117 preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks in the opening game of the NBA China Games 2026.
Durant received MVP chants from the fans at The Venetian Arena on Friday, which he said felt particularly meaningful after years of playing in front of familiar NBA crowds.
“It felt incredible,” Durant said after the game. “Sometimes back at home, we play so many games in front of the same people, sometimes they take us for granted a little bit.”
“When you come out here, and you get the appreciation and respect that you’ve earned as players that make it this far, it’s pretty cool, man,” KD added.
+The 38-year-old finished with 8 points, 2 assists, and 1 block in 17 minutes, shooting 4-of-9 from the field.
The two-time NBA champion particularly enjoyed how openly the Macao crowd expressed its enthusiasm.
“They don’t get away from the excitement that they have around sports,” Durant continued. “They’re not shy to express that, and I love that.”
“That’s who we are truly in our souls – real fans of the game. So to see them express that is incredible.”
Friday’s matchup was the first of two NBA China Games between Houston and Dallas. The teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday.
Source: https://basketnews.com/news-257047-kevin-durant-impressed-by-fan-support-in-china.html