Kevin Durant found himself in the middle of controversy once again during the Phoenix Suns’ 125-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Rather than making headlines for his play, Durant went viral for throwing a sneaky punch at Pelicans rookie Karlo Matkovic.
The incident occurred late in the first quarter when Matkovic set a screen to free up Trey Murphy III, preventing Kevin Durant from closing in on his teammate.
Frustrated by the play, Durant retaliated by striking Matkovic on the side, an act that many fans and analysts immediately called out as dirty.
Kevin Durant. 😳
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 1, 2025
Despite clear video evidence of the punch, Durant somehow escaped any consequences, neither being ejected from the game nor receiving any postgame discipline from the NBA.
Social media erupted with reactions to the incident, with many fans questioning why Durant was allowed to stay in the game. The widespread criticism highlights how unexpected it was to see Durant react in such a manner, especially given his usual calm demeanor on the court.
Despite the controversy, Durant finished the game with 17 points, six assists, and two rebounds in 35 minutes, helping the Suns secure a much-needed win. However, his actions have overshadowed Phoenix’s performance, further fueling concerns about the team’s chemistry and overall direction.
The Suns have been one of the most disappointing teams this season, sitting at 28-32 and currently 11th in the West and out of the playoff picture.
With a brutal upcoming stretch against top Western Conference teams, their hopes of salvaging the season are hanging by a thread.
Durant’s frustration seems to be boiling over, and this isn’t the first sign of it. Just a game earlier, he was visibly upset with teammate Tyus Jones for failing to read the floor properly, a moment that sparked speculation about growing tension within the team.
Now, with this latest incident, it’s clear that Durant’s patience is wearing thin. The Suns, who assembled a star-studded trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, were expected to be a title contender, but injuries, inconsistent play, and chemistry issues have derailed their season.
The punch on Matkovic also brings up another question: why did the officials overlook it?
In an era where players get suspended for minor altercations or technical fouls, Durant seemingly getting away with an intentional hit raises eyebrows. Many fans pointed out the inconsistency in officiating, especially when other stars have been ejected for less. The NBA’s lack of action on the matter only adds to the controversy.
As Phoenix tries to climb back into the playoff race, Durant will need to refocus and lead his team on the court rather than letting his frustrations dictate his actions. With a challenging schedule ahead, the Suns can’t afford any more distractions.
Whether Durant can channel his emotions into winning basketball remains to be seen, but his latest altercation has put even more scrutiny on an already turbulent season.
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