Kevin Durant
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Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant responds to an onslaught of criticism on Twitter after his comments on the New York Knicks.

After setting the internets ablaze by discussing the New York Knicks‘ “coolness” factor, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant appears to be walking it back ever-so-slightly.

Durant had a busy Tuesday morning, interacting with plenty of fans and deterrents on Twitter. In response to one particularly salty, erm, passionate? user, Durant gave his thoughts on the colorful rivalry between the Knicks and the Nets.

Fair or not, New York has historically been dominated by the Knicks. Last season, the Knicks finished ninth overall in attendance; Brooklyn was much farther down that list at spot No. 30 — last in the league.

However, since signing Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets have seen a 304% increase in ticket sales. Going out on a limb here, I know, but the Barclays Center will be booming this season.

However, Brooklyn’s efforts at bringing in fans extends beyond just bringing aboard pure star power. Recently, the team held its third annual “Practice in the Park” — a community event located at Pier 2 of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. With thousands of young hoops fans in attendance, members of the Nets engaged in light drills, fun contests, and giveaways. Building bridges with young fans will assuredly be one of the Nets’ biggest plans of action going forward.

“Make Brooklyn a destination for all people in the New York area, for sure. And to build out the Brooklyn brand globally,” Levy told Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News in September.

So yes, as it stands, the Knicks are still New York’s premier basketball franchise. But that may not be the status quo forever. As the expression goes, “winning cures all.”

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An NBA fanatic who specializes in the advanced analytics of the game. I cover the Brooklyn Nets here in the city. Follow me on Twitter for semi-witty basketball tweets. @MattBrooksNBA