Kevin Durant’s 2017 Warriors celebration stood out not only for the team’s historic success but also for his surprising behavior after clinching his first <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA title. Following an intense playoff run capped by the Golden State Warriors’ near-flawless 16-1 record, Durant indulged in alcohol for the first time in months and quickly became visibly intoxicated. This moment occurred shortly after the Warriors secured the Larry O’Brien trophy, leaving fans and teammates alike taken aback by how the night unfolded.
Durant’s sensational performance and recovery from a tough midseason injury made the victory sweeter, but it was in the Oracle Arena parking lot where the story took a unique turn: intoxicated and alone, Durant was swarmed by eager Warriors fans wanting to celebrate their Finals MVP up close, creating an unforgettable scene.
The Road to Recovery After Kevin Durant’s Midseason MCL Injury
Earlier that season, Durant suffered a serious MCL sprain during a game when teammate Zaza Pachulia accidentally fell into his leg. The injury cast doubt on Durant’s ability to return for the playoffs, since many feared his season could be over. At that point, Kevin was clearly the Warriors’ top scorer and rebounder, averaging 25.1 points and more than eight rebounds per game, making his absence a huge blow to the team’s title hopes. The injury’s impact was immediate, with the Warriors losing both the game in which KD was hurt and a subsequent matchup without him.
Despite his reputation as a physical and sometimes controversial player, Pachulia expressed regret but emphasized the accident’s unintentional nature. He stated,
“I feel bad it happened. If I did something on purpose or even if I had flopped, that probably would have made me feel worse. But it wasn’t even a flop. I got pulled. I fell. Nobody had control over it. KD knows. I talked to him after the game, and I saw him in his room in his hotel. He knows it was an accident. Bad accident,”
highlighting the unplanned nature of the incident.
Driven by determination and a strict personal regimen, Durant committed to recovering fully, adopting a healthier lifestyle, including abstaining from alcohol, to speed his return for the playoffs.
Kevin Durant’s Alcohol Fast and Post-Title Celebration
Veteran insider Anthony Slater revealed that Durant had sworn off drinking entirely to aid his rehabilitation and ensure his availability for the playoffs. After a long dry spell, Durant’s first alcoholic drink following the championship celebration landed him quickly inebriated.
Slater described the scene:
“He had sworn off alcohol to help the recovery and get back for the playoffs,”
and later added,
“In the celebration, he had a few swigs of champagne, and he was like, kind of drunk off like three swigs, four swigs, or whatever, burping and stuff,”
painting a vivid picture of Kevin’s jovial, uninhibited state.
Durant himself later admitted at a 2017 press conference,
“I’m talking too much at this point. I had a couple too many beers. I haven’t had a beer since February.”
His candid remarks underscored how long he had refrained from alcohol and how the championship celebration marked a relaxed return to it.
A Memorable Moment in the Oracle Arena Parking Lot
After the victory and his celebratory drinks, Durant left the main celebration to head toward the Oracle Arena parking lot. Alone and visibly drunk, he encountered a massive crowd of passionate Warriors fans who had been waiting to greet the team’s star player. Slater recalled this unique moment, saying,
“He was mobbed by the whole Warriors fanbase that had waited out in the Oracle parking lot.”
The fans’ enthusiasm was fueled by respect and excitement for their newly crowned Finals MVP, making the encounter one of the brightest highlights of Durant’s Golden State tenure.
This unexpected interaction illustrated just how much Durant’s return and championship meant to both him and the Warriors community. What could have been a quiet moment was transformed into a vibrant celebration, bridging the gap between player and supporters during an unforgettable time for the franchise.
The 2017 Warriors: A Team for the Ages Despite Setbacks
Durant’s addition to the Warriors’ already legendary 73-win roster immediately placed Golden State among the all-time great NBA squads. The team’s near-perfect playoff record and dominant championship run cemented their status in basketball history. However, Durant’s injury threatened to derail this pursuit early in the season.
His successful and timely comeback proved crucial. Returning to top form, Durant averaged 28.5 points and nearly eight rebounds during the playoffs, leading the Warriors to ultimate success. His triumphant return culminated in his first title celebration, underscored by the emotional release after months of pain and focus.
Reflecting on the moment, Durant remarked,
“To have a beer right now and come talk to you guys, it feels great.”
This statement captured the relief and joy of reaching his long-awaited goal despite all obstacles.
The Lasting Impact of Kevin Durant’s 2017 Championship Journey
While Kevin Durant’s career has taken him beyond Golden State since 2017, the memories of that championship victory continue to resonate with both him and Warriors fans. His recovery, playoff dominance, and rare off-court moments like the drunken celebration in the parking lot remain a significant part of the Warriors’ legacy and fan culture.
That season not only highlighted Durant’s skills and resilience but also showcased how a combination of talent, determination, and fan support creates unforgettable chapters in sports history. For Dub Nation, the 2017 celebration was a defining experience, blending victory with spirited fan interaction in a way few championship nights ever do.