NBA: Warriors open season vs former star Kevin Durant, Suns.

Steve Kerr recalls a one-point NBA Christmas Day defeat at Cleveland in 2016 when Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were still figuring out how to thrive playing together during Durant's first season with the Warriors, each doing his best to let the other shine bright, and how things finally started clicking from there.

The two superstars became more assertive taking their shots and capitalizing on chances without worrying about the other's ego or individual performances on any given night - and the Warriors went on to win 10 of their next 11 games, 16 of 18 and 18 of 22.

When Golden State opens the season Tuesday night on its home court, Durant will be on the other side, giving the home fans at Chase Center their first opportunity to honor everything he did for the Warriors.

Kerr knows how much that moment will mean to everybody in the sellout crowd - not to mention for Durant himself.

'Kevin's arrival turned us into one of the most talented teams ever and he was such a perfect fit next to our guys. Kevin is kind of a perfect fit next to anybody. But he just fit beautifully next to our group.'

Durant played here for Brooklyn in February 2021 during the pandemic-delayed season when no spectators were allowed then was injured with a sprained left ankle in March when the Suns last visited.

'It's very comfortable for all of us when we see Kevin. This will be the 10th or 12th time we've seen him in a different uniform,' Kerr said Monday. 'This time, we say our hellos and it's great but for the fans it will be different. I anticipate our fans giving Kevin the love that he deserves. Two championships, trying to help us win...