Why Nuggets Fans Shouldn’t Feel Conflicted About Supporting Serbia in the Olympics…
Kevin Durant wasn’t upset online—definitely not.
Just a few days ago, Team USA secured a thrilling victory over Serbia in the semifinals of the Olympic basketball tournament. After a comeback win that saw Team USA advance to the Gold Medal Game, one would expect an atmosphere of celebration.
While the team initially showed passion and joy on the court after the final buzzer, those feelings didn’t seem to last. It’s understandable—emotions were high.
The United States entered the game as heavy favorites but trailed by double digits for most of it. A spirited fourth-quarter surge finally allowed them to take the lead with just minutes left, securing the win in dramatic fashion.
Kevin Durant’s Twitter Clash with Nuggets Fans After Beating Serbia
Known for his presence on social media, Kevin Durant, one of Team USA’s standout players, took to Twitter immediately after the game. He seemed frustrated by Nuggets fans and Nikola Jokic supporters from the U.S. who were rooting for Serbia and praising the team despite their loss.
To all you nuggets fans, nobody gives a fuck who yall lames believe is the best player in the league, players got major respect for Jok, we don’t worship him like yall do but most are in awe of his brilliance. Trolling you cornballs for rooting against us is apart of the game.… https://t.co/JVwxSi0eJD
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 9, 2024
In an expletive-filled rant, Durant labeled Nuggets fans as “lames” and “cornballs” for cheering for Jokic and giving respect to Serbia. But Nuggets fans shouldn’t feel conflicted—they should proudly support whoever they choose.
Nuggets Fans’ Loyalty Lies with Jokic Over Team USA
The Olympics are a fantastic event, but they only occur every four years, featuring an NBA all-star team of American players. While there’s nothing wrong with supporting one’s country, Nuggets fans have no obligation to cheer for longtime NBA rivals like Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and others.
These players are considered adversaries in Denver, and rightly so. If fans choose to set aside those rivalries every four years to support Team USA, that’s perfectly fine. However, if they prefer to hold onto their NBA loyalties and cheer for the hometown hero—the man who has brought immense joy to Denver sports—then that’s fine too!
This is the beauty of sports; people can support whoever they want for any reason they want. Jokic has earned his status as a folk hero among Nuggets fans, and many will root for him regardless of the jersey he wears. Cheering for him to pull off an upset against a group of the Nuggets’ rivals is completely reasonable, no matter where you’re from.
Supporting Jokic doesn’t make anyone “lame” or “corny”—it makes them loyal Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic fans. Just as the U.S. gives KD the freedom to express his opinions, it also gives Nuggets fans the freedom to cheer for whoever they wish.
