Kevin Durant attempted to explain why he has received more technical fouls this season.

"It's just my emotions and passion for the game," Durant said after Friday's practice session. "After winning that championship (last season), I learned that much hadn't changed. I thought it would fill a certain [void]. It didn't. That's when I realized in the offseason that the only thing that matters is this game and how much work you put into it. Everything else off the court, social media, perception, isn't important. What people say, how they view you, it's not important.

"What we did as a team was special, and I want to experience that again. My love and passion for the game has [blossomed] because I understand that's what it's all about, and I'm pouring all of this [newfound thirst] into this game. But I know I have to keep [my fire] under control, and I will."

Prior to the 2017-18 season getting underway, Durant had only one ejection in his first 10 years in the league. He's up to five this season.

"It's just a part of the evolution that I'm going through," Durant told ESPN. "I'll be the first to admit that I'm not perfect. I don't have all the answers. It will probably take the offseason for me to assess, 'OK, let's figure out how to tone this down a little.' But I'm comfortable sharing this because all I care about is that," he said as he pointed to the practice court.

"I love this game, and I'm going to do whatever I can to help my team get back to where we were last year. That's what I'm excited for. That's why you're seeing this passion from me. Before, I used to care about the game and the lifestyle. Now, all I care about is my love for the game, the pureness of the game. This is me."