Durant appeared on the Warriors' bench in a suit, wearing a confident smile as if he had the game completely under control.
Although Durant would not be playing today, he was still showered with adoration from the fans in attendance.
Wave after wave of cheers came from the stands, proving just how immensely popular he was at Oracle Arena.
But before long, the cheers erupted into boos. Durant turned his head and, sure enough, the Grizzlies were making their entrance.
Those guys always received the highest level of "welcome" and "hospitality" at Oracle Arena.
"Memphis Grizzlies versus Golden State Warriors—no matter how many times you watch it, their matchups never get old. Before this game even began, the players and fans from both sides had already generated plenty of buzz online. Now, it's time to settle things in the regular season."
After speaking, Mike Breen looked around at the frenzied fans.
Though this was only a regular-season game, and though the Warriors' plan to claim first place in the West had basically become impossible.
Even so, Oakland's fans remained incredibly passionate. The atmosphere for this game was practically playoff-level.
Link began warming up the moment he came out. Though the Warriors were without Durant, Link did not relax in the slightest.
Mike Breen also noticed that when Durant saw Link come out to warm up, the confident smile on his face vanished without a trace.
In its place was the anxiety revealed by his faintly furrowed brow.
Mike Breen shook his head. This was probably the expression Durant ought to be wearing right now.
It was no secret that no one on the Warriors could match up with Link.
Anyone who had analyzed things even a little seriously knew that Link simply had no opponent today. Unless Kerr put Green