Kevin Durant's 'Adopted Brother' Clifford Dixon Fatally Shot Outside Atlanta Bar
Clifford Dixon, who Warriors forward Kevin Durant reportedly considered his "adopted brother", was fatally shot outside a metro Atlanta bar early Thursday, Chamblee police confirmed in a release.
According to the police report, Clifford Dixon arrived to the SL Lounge on Budford Highway for a his birthday celebration and was standing in the parking lot when he was shot multiple times just after 1 a.m. First responders arrived on the scene and transported Dixon to Grady Hospital where we was pronounced dead. The suspect fled the scene on foot.
Dixon was 32 years old.
According to the Oklahoman, Dixon was taken in by Durant's mother, Wanda Pratt, when he was 16 years old. Dixon was one of the friends Durant acknowledged during his emotional speech after being named the NBA's Most Valuable Player during the 2013-2014 season.
"You keep me every day. There are days I come home upset after a game or a practice and you just brighten my day up," Durant said during his speech. "I thank you guys. I wouldn’t be be here without you guys. This is our trophy, too.”
Durant's mother posted a tribute to Twitter following the news.
"The Durant family extends our deepest condolences & prayers to Cliff's mother, siblings, family & friends," she wrote. "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."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Durant was "playing with a heavy heart" during the team's 112–89 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. In addition to his relationship with Durant, Dixon was also a close from of Warriors guard Quinn Cook. Cook was seen being comforted by teammates before playing the Pacers.
Dixon also dated Love & Hip Hop: New York star Erica Mena, who paid tribute to Dixon in a post on her Instagram story.
“We all deal with so much. You dealt with a lot,” Mena wrote over the post. “I’m so sorry this happened, you didn’t deserve this. Rest in forever peace, Watch over your blood sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and your mommy. I know they are so broken right now."
Dixon was a former Western Kentucky college basketball player who also played overseas.
