Golden State Warriors players Kevin Durant and Quinn Cook will play Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers grieving the death of one of their close childhood friends.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, 32-year-old Cliff Dixon was shot and killed outside a Chamblee, GA strip mall shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday morning while celebrating his birthday. Dixon was a close friend of Warriors guard Quinn Cook and was viewed as Durant’s “adopted brother.” The two grew up in the same area of Suitland, MD and even lived together for a period.
“Obviously, a very difficult time for Kevin and Kevin’s family,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Quinn Cook was very close with the victim as well, so a very somber mood in shoot-around today. I know Kevin’s going to play tonight. He didn’t say anything about not playing.”
“For most of us who play this game or coach this game, this is kind of our refuge. Being able to play, being able to immerse yourself in the game. It’s kind of the best way to deal with something tragic, something difficult. I know he’ll be playing with a heavy heart tonight, and I hope he can lose himself in the game and find some joy in the game itself.”
Obviously a tough time for everyone involved, we hope Durant, Cook and the families involved are able to get through this grave and unfortunate tragedy. Kevin Durant’s mother, Wanda, took to Twitter to express her family’s condolences.
The Durant family extends our deepest condolences & prayers to Cliff’s mother, siblings, family & friends. Our family was an extension of his & we shared wonderful memories. His transition is an incredible loss for all of us who loved him, he will be missed dearly #CliffDixon RIP pic.twitter.com/QuIRt0hIIu
— Wanda Durant (@MamaDurant) March 21, 2019
