Kevin Durant, forward for the Phoenix Suns, took advantage of some downtime following his team‘s early playoff exit by attending a WNBA game. On Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, Durant was courtside for the Golden State Valkyries’ road matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, where he reunited with Belgian guard Julie Vanloo. The pair shared a warm embrace and conversation after the game, rekindling a connection that began during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Vanloo had first approached Durant at the Olympics to request a photo, sparking their friendship. Their reunion at the arena highlighted Durant and Vanloo’s mutual respect and basketball camaraderie.
“I’m your biggest fan! I’m telling you. … I can’t believe this! Oh my God! — I’m your biggest fan. I’m from Belgium. I’m a basketball player too!,” Julie Vanloo said.
Performance Highlights and Valkyries’ Rising Start to the Season
The Golden State Valkyries are off to a promising start in their inaugural WNBA season, holding a 2-1 record. They secured an 82-73 victory against the Sparks, although Vanloo struggled with just two assists in the contest. Guard Carla Leite led the team with 19 points, two rebounds, and three assists, while Janelle Salaun contributed 18 points, eight rebounds, and one assist, showing strong support for the Valkyries’ efforts on both ends of the court.
Durant’s Support for WNBA Teams Revealed
Kevin Durant has expressed interest in following several WNBA teams during the current season. On May 18, Durant responded to a fan question on X (formerly Twitter), naming the Seattle Storm, Phoenix Mercury, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics as teams he is keeping an eye on this year.
“Seattle, Phoenix, sparks and mystics,” Durant tweeted.
Durant’s attention to the Phoenix Mercury aligns with his current association with the Suns, both teams linked through shared ownership by Player 15 Group, led by Mat Ishbia.
Durant’s Season Performance and Recognition
Despite the Phoenix Suns finishing with a 36-46 record and missing the postseason, Durant had a highly productive season. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three-point range across 62 games. His efforts earned him the 2024-25 Magic Johnson Award, recognizing his court excellence and cooperation with the media.
Significance of the Reunion and Broader Implications
The courtside reconnection between Kevin Durant and Julie Vanloo symbolizes the strong friendships and professional respect that form through international competition like the Olympics. As the WNBA season continues to grow in visibility, Durant’s support of multiple teams highlights the increasing intersection between NBA stars and the women’s league, potentially fostering greater fan engagement. For Durant, this period of reflection following a challenging Suns season might offer renewed focus and motivation, while Vanloo and the Valkyries build momentum in their debut campaign.