HOUSTON — Phoenix Suns fans were quick to turn their attention to Houston after Kevin Durant took another verbal jab at his former team following the Rockets’ 123-122 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday.
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Mar 21, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after making a three point basket against Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio (0)(not pictured) in the second half at Toyota Center. Durant scored 27 points in the game passing Michael Jordan for fifth all time in points in the NBA. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The game was a thriller, highlighted by Amen Thompson’s go-ahead shot. Durant, now with Houston after his high-profile trade from Phoenix, drew attention for a postgame comment that quickly circulated across social media.
“Twin saved the day,” Durant said, praising Thompson. “I remember him saying when I hit that game winner against that ‘team from the desert,’ he said that was his favorite moment as a Rocket and I was like, nah, this gotta be the one now.”
The phrasing was widely interpreted as a thinly veiled reference to the Suns, striking a nerve with the Phoenix faithful. Fans made their voices heard online, reflecting on the tension and history between both parties.
Luv how we’re always on kds mind https://t.co/AzrLK2z96V
— Nick (@n1rod_) March 22, 2026
Rent free as always 💀 #SunsUp https://t.co/4g4RKOYsAt
— Always Arizona Sports (@theaztrl) March 22, 2026
He knows he was the problem in the desert
— Drew (@Deadframex) March 22, 2026
Bro Team from the desert is hilarious🤣 he hates us. We should’ve doubled his ass.
— John William (@JohnWillia9286) March 22, 2026
The postgame comment underscores the lingering emotional divide between Durant and a fan base that once embraced him as the missing piece for a title run. His exit, followed by periodic comments after the 2025 offseason trade, has reshaped that relationship into a rivalry rather than nostalgic admiration.
Jan 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles against Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Durant came to Phoenix in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets in 2023. Paired with homegrown star Devin Booker and All-Star Bradley Beal, there were major championship expectations. However, inconsistency and injuries kept the group from finding the spark needed to carry them into a Finals run as they did in 2021.
Player movement and post-departure commentary have become defining elements of the modern NBA. Stars and fans now shape narratives in real time, as Durant’s unfiltered remarks have consistently demonstrated. But such candor can also alienate former markets, like the Valley.
Nov 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) look on against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
While both Durant and the Suns have moved on, his words serve as a reminder that departures in the NBA are rarely clean — especially for fans who once hoped to see the partnership succeed.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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