Kevin Durant can’t stay away from the court. Less than a week after the NBA Finals ended, the Phoenix Suns star (and future Houston Rocket, technically) was sitting courtside at Crypto.com Arena for the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx. It wasn’t just a casual pit stop — it was another signal of how deeply invested Durant has become in the women’s game.
The Lynx entered Wednesday’s contest riding serious momentum, winners of eight of their last nine after obliterating Portland 107-74. The Sparks, meanwhile, were trying to shake off a 78-58 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. But the real story hovering over the arena had nothing to do with the current scoreboard.
Houston Is Getting Its Comets Back
Next season, the WNBA will see the return of the Houston Comets — the league’s original dynasty — after the Connecticut Sun officially relocate to Texas. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta purchased the franchise for $300 million, a deal the WNBA approved weeks ago. For anyone who remembers the Comets’ four-peat from 1997 to 2000, it’s a resurrection loaded with nostalgia. For Durant, it’s personal: the Comets beat the Sparks in back-to-back conference finals on their way to those last two titles, and Durant has made no secret of his affection for Los Angeles’ WNBA squad.
Durant was spotted watching the Sparks take on the Atlanta Dream last season as well. After that game, he had a lengthy postgame chat with Sparks center Cameron Brink, who was sidelined with an ACL tear. Brink sat out again on Wednesday — this time with a right ankle injury — and guard Kelsey Plum was also out with a leg issue. Their absences left Los Angeles thin against a Lynx team that has looked like the class of the league for weeks.
A One-Sided Commissioner’s Cup
As of late in the fourth quarter, the Lynx held a commanding lead. Rae Burrell paced the Sparks with 18 points and three assists, while Dearica Hamby stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. It wasn’t enough. Minnesota’s depth and defensive pressure forced Los Angeles into tough looks all night, and the Sparks never truly threatened.
Durant, ever the basketball junkie, watched the whole thing unfold with the same intensity he’d bring to a playoff game. Fans online noted his visible engagement — leaning forward during key possessions, clapping after big plays. The ClutchPoints clip of him taking in the action quickly made the rounds on social media.
Durant has consistently voiced support for the WNBA, showing up at games across the country and praising the league’s talent level. But next season, that support will take a new form. With the Comets returning, Houston will once again have a WNBA team — and Durant, who will still be chasing rings with the Suns, will have a new squad to follow in his adopted city. Whether that means more courtside appearances in Houston remains to be seen, but if his track record is any guide, don’t bet against it.
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