Drake shows love to Kevin Durant with warm courtside greeting during Raptors-Rockets matchup 

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant received a warm welcome from his close friend, rapper Drake. During the Rockets' game against the Toronto Raptors, the two linked up on courtside. Durant was already playing, and the Canadian artist was sitting near the hardwood when the two exchanged words.

KD and the Rockets came off a 137-109 victory against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. The star forward had 19 points and six rebounds in 42.9% shooting from the field. On Wednesday, Houston seeks another win in their two-game road trip that started in Scotiabank Arena.

During a free throw, Durant was standing close to Drake. This led to a verbal exchange between the two, but both stars were smiling at each other. Take a look at the video below to see their interaction.

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The two have been friends for quite some time. This wasn't the first time the two have interacted during a game. When KD was with the Golden State Warriors, they faced the Raptors in the 2019 Finals. In that stretch, Drake had some banter with the two-time champion.

The 6-foot-11 forward also showed support for his friend when he had a beef with rapper Kendrick Lamar in 2024. While most people kept playing Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," Durant remained loyal.

KD was also seen with former WNBA star Liz Cambage attending a Drake concert last month, which sparked dating rumors.

Kevin Durant and Drake have had a long friendship throughout the years. Durant may have moved teams several times, but that hasn't stopped them from staying in touch with each other.

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Kevin Durant trolled Drake for talking trash

As a diehard fan of the Raptors, Drake is often spotted at their games. His relationship with the franchise even reached the point that the Toronto team appointed the artist as the global ambassador in 2013.

As a fan of the NBA, the "Hotline Bling" artist has friends all around the league, including Kevin Durant. In a game between the Raptors and the Warriors in 2018, Durant was asked about what Drake brings to the Canadian team.

Often, he brings energy to the crowd and even uses his chance to talk trash to opposing players. Following the Warriors' 127-125 win, KD was asked about what Drake brings to the table for the Raptors. But the 15-time All-Star trolled his friend with his answer.

"Don't give Drake that much credit," Durant said. "Do not give him that much credit. He's not the reason why it was fun out there. He does bring a different element to the game, someone that's so close to the organization and the city. Everybody realizes it when you play here in Toronto. It was a fun game. The crowd is always amazing here. It was a solid turnout and I'm glad we got the W."

Regardless of the friendly banter, Kevin Durant acknowledges Drake as one of his closest friends.

Edited by Reign Amurao